WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal authorities will pursue “full” prosecution after vandalism damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., and prompted a series of arrests and citations.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Burgum said investigators believe the pool’s liner was cut for about 350 feet with a box cutter or similar sharp instrument. He described the damage as “an attack on our country” and said, “These are our most sacred monuments, and they [the perpetrators] are gonna be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Public accounts have conflicted on how many people were arrested or cited. Burgum said seven arrests had been made, multiple citations issued and 18 police reports filed. NBC News reported President Donald Trump said six people had been arrested and seven others cited. BBC reported U.S. Park Police said five people had been arrested and five others had received federal citations. WGXA reported the Interior Department said there had been seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports.
A recent court filing and a National Park Service account said the Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor. The public accounts did not identify all of the people detained or cited, and they did not include filed charges or case numbers.
Burgum said fencing had been installed around the Reflecting Pool as federal agencies prepared for July 4 events on the National Mall.
