Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Promises Full Prosecution for Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced on Saturday that authorities will pursue full prosecution against individuals responsible for vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which sustained a 350-foot gash and was marked with anti-Trump graffiti. Burgum stated, "When people are attacking it [the Reflecting Pool], it is like an attack on our country," emphasizing the importance of protecting national monuments. He noted that seven arrests have been made, along with multiple citations and 18 police reports filed in relation to the incident. The damage was reportedly inflicted using a box cutter on the pool's industrial rubber liner. Images of the graffiti included markings interpreted by some as calls to violence. President Donald Trump also commented on the vandalism, stating that it was a deliberate act against the newly restored Reflecting Pool. Burgum highlighted ongoing restoration efforts in the nation's capital, which include the repair of over 48 monuments and the restoration of more than 50 parks and circles. A fence has been erected around the Reflecting Pool as part of the investigation and to prepare for upcoming July 4 celebrations.