The Interior Department has released surveillance footage showing two individuals vandalizing the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial. The video shows the suspects destroying and removing a piece of the lining and attempting to destroy more of the lining.
The vandals are part of a group that has been tearing out the new American flag blue sealant that lines the bottom of the pool, with the intention of changing the water's reflection. Several arrests were made over the weekend.
The vandals also inscribed a threatening message on the grass of the National Mall and on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool. The message, "86 47," appears to be a call for violence against a specific individual.
Employees were seen erecting a fence around the Reflecting Pool on Tuesday, as repairs are set to begin imminently. The incident took place on June 19, and the Department of the Interior is investigating.
Destroying, injuring, defacing, or removing cultural or archeological resources is a federal crime. The Department of the Interior has stated that it will investigate and prosecute those responsible.
A video provided by authorities shows a male and a female reaching deep into the Reflecting Pool in an act of vandalism. The video appears to show the suspects intentionally damaging the pool's lining.
Repairs to the Reflecting Pool are set to begin soon. The incident has sparked a strong response from officials, who are taking steps to prevent further vandalism.
Lawsuits are being prepared against a media outlet for false reporting on the Reflecting Pool vandalism. The outlet had attempted to downplay the incident, but officials say this was inaccurate.
