National Parks confirms Reflecting Pool was vandalized, lining slashed: court filings

According to a declaration filed Wednesday by National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations Frank Lands, officials discovered that "caulk over the foam sealant" installed as part of the renovation project "was cut with a sharp knife or razor" after the rehabilitation work was completed. The filing also states that surface material was deliberately damaged and that approximately 70 fence-post tops were thrown into the pool.

This comes days after Trump announced that multiple individuals had been arrested in connection with damage to the Reflecting Pool, which was renovated ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. "The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nation's magnificent Reflecting Pool," Trump wrote over the weekend, adding that those responsible could face years in prison. Federal authorities have since confirmed multiple arrests and citations related to incidents at the site.

Trump later announced that vandals had used a knife or box cutter to create a massive gash in the pool's new surface and suggested that chemicals had also been used to damage the surrounding grounds. Trump said the Reflecting Pool had been given a "300-foot-long gash" and said that vandals had defaced the nearby lawn with an "86 47" message, which he said had been inspired by former FBI Director James Comey's social media post.

The court filing was submitted as part of ongoing litigation surrounding the Reflecting Pool renovation project. According to the National Park Service, the pool underwent more than two months of rehabilitation work, including the installation of a protective liner and waterproofing system. Officials say the pool will be drained again following Independence Day celebrations so crews can assess the damage and conduct repairs.

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Park Service Declaration Reflecting Pool by Hannah Nightingale