The U.S. Park Police have turned to the public for help in their ongoing investigation regarding the recent vandalism at the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Captured on camera, the actions of an unidentified individual have led to concerns about the potential destruction of government property.
The incident unfolded in the early afternoon, precisely at 3:36 p.m. on Friday, according to the police reports. Set against the iconic backdrop of the nation’s capital, the Reflecting Pool—a site often associated with historical significance—became the scene of this unexpected event.
Footage released by authorities depicts a person seemingly kneeling at the edge of the Reflecting Pool, with one arm extended into the water. The video offers a glimpse into the moments of curiosity or mischief, urging viewers to help identify the individual involved.
Described as having dark hair, the person in question was seen dressed in a gray shirt paired with black shorts, and was carrying a light-colored handbag, as per the footage details. This distinctive description could aid in recognizing the person and assist law enforcement in resolving the matter.
The U.S. Park Police reiterated the details of the event, confirming its occurrence on Friday around mid-afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial’s esteemed reflecting site. Public cooperation is hoped to be a crucial part of bringing the investigation to a close.
Police said the investigation follows President Donald Trump’s attempt to resurface the Reflecting Pool, which resulted in peeling paint and algae that discolored the intended “American Flag Blue” appearance of the water to a swampy green.
Trump and other officials said multiple people were arrested and others were cited for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool.
“They went down with probably a box cutter or a very sharp razor of some kind or a knife, and they cut, and then they started ripping it up,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Wednesday. “You know why? Because they’re sick people.”
Video released by police shows what appears to be a woman kneeling down next to the Reflecting Pool and reaching her arm into the water. (U.S. Park Police)
“These people should go to jail for a long time,” Trump said, adding that he believed the pool was damaged because of what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Trump said some water will be released from the pool so that repairs can be made. The president had previously speculated that fertilizer was poured into the pool and caused the algae.
“Around the Reflecting Pool, we have a huge field of grass,” he said. “They poured acid on the grass, the same people, I guess.”
National Park Service employees and contractors use vacuums to remove green algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“It killed – you know, acid kills grass quickly – so that’s being fixed,” Trump continued.
On Monday, he said chemicals were “illegally placed in the water.”