Overview
- The Department of the Interior said Tuesday that five people were arrested and five others were issued federal citations in connection with damage to the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
- President Trump characterized the damage as deliberate vandalism, described a long cut in the pool lining and urged prosecutors to seek penalties that can include up to 10 years in prison.
- The pool was recently renovated under an about $14 million contract that reporters say was awarded without competitive bidding and has since suffered recurring algae blooms and peeling of the applied blue lining.
- U.S. Park Police initially issued misdemeanor citations for vandalism and damage to public property, and the U.S. Attorney for D.C. is reviewing whether to pursue heavier federal charges if prosecutors find costly or harmful interference.
- Security around the site has been tightened with National Guard and Park Police patrols and surveillance trailers, and nonprofit plaintiffs challenging the renovation have cited the failures in court as officials decide how to repair the pool before July 4.