Washington authorities are moving to prosecute people cited for vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on Sunday.
Pirro told Fox News' "Sunday Briefing" program that citations have been issued in connection with damage to the pool and that even seemingly minor offenses warrant prosecution to help keep the U.S. capital safe. "Anyone who is in a position of vandalizing or attempting to vandalize will face the criminal justice system in D.C.," she said.
The Reflecting Pool, a 2,000-foot-long rectangular feature on the National Mall that was declared fully renovated on June 6 after a $14.7 million project, has shown visible issues less than two weeks after completion. New blue paint on the pool's surface has been peeling, and an algae bloom has left the water looking green.
President Donald Trump has attributed some of the recent problems with the pool to vandalism. On Saturday he asserted, without providing evidence, that vandals poured corrosive chemicals into the water. Pirro cautioned that individuals who introduce products into the pool that can promote algae growth could face more serious charges.
National Park Service workers have taken steps to address the algae. Earlier in the week, crews poured hydrogen peroxide into the pool as part of efforts to combat the bloom. Separately, Trump posted on social media that 75% of the algae is gone and leveled an accusation at ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl, alleging he had "tried to rip the rubber off of the surface" of the pool. ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Investigation and remediation are underway as officials pursue citations and potential prosecutions tied to the damage. Authorities emphasize that maintaining public safety and preserving national landmarks are priorities as repair and cleaning operations continue.