WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Park Police responded to a complaint from the National Park Service on June 9 regarding damage to the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, stated in a judicial document filed on Wednesday that the pool's sealant was cut with a sharp knife or razor blade. The police report noted the destruction of delaminating surface material and approximately 70 fence post caps thrown into the water.

The Reflecting Pool had been refilled between June 4 and June 9, following more than two months of renovations that concluded in early June. During these renovations, the 2,000-foot-long basin was drained, and a dyed rubber liner was installed to waterproof the concrete surface before the pool was refilled with water.

President Donald Trump stated that Secretary Doug Burgum has evidence that vandals used a knife to cut new paint and poured fertilizer into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump also stated that "sick people" used razors and box cutters to cut parts of the lining.

Park Police published surveillance images on Wednesday night, requesting public assistance to identify an individual in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation. The surveillance video, recorded on a Friday afternoon, appeared to show a person kneeling, reaching into the pool, and removing an object from the water.

A Department of Interior spokesperson explained in an email that public notification of the damage was initially delayed because the vandalism was under investigation and believed to be an isolated incident at the time of the June 9 event. The department reported that seven arrests, seven federal citations, and 18 police reports have been filed concerning the Reflecting Pool incidents.

National Park Service officials stated that the agency planned to begin draining the pool after Independence Day celebrations to perform repairs, including assessing and addressing any damage to the lining. Senator Jeff Merkley stated that Donald Trump spent more than $16 million on a renovation of the Reflecting Pool that is peeling and filled with algae.