President Donald Trump is calling for serious criminal charges against those who he says vandalized the newly renovated Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. In a recent post, the president lamented the state of the pool, which he said had been vandalized.
Background
The Reflecting Pool, which reopened earlier this month following a $14 million renovation, has been plagued by algae blooms and a peeling bottom layer. The US Park Police have issued citations for vandalism, disorderly conduct, and defacing public property, which are currently misdemeanors in DC’s local Superior Court.
However, Trump’s post suggested that the cases could be charged as more serious crimes if US Attorney Jeanine Pirro decides they should be. A destruction of government property offense could be charged as a felony in federal court if the damage is significant, carrying a maximum fine of up to $250,000 or 10 years in prison.
One person, David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was arrested after touching a flap of blue material that partially detached from the bottom of the pool. Hearn denied vandalizing the pool and said he was simply curious. His first court appearance is set for July 9.
The US attorney’s office for the District of Columbia is still reviewing a handful of citations issued over the weekend and hasn’t yet brought any charges in court. The Park Police have filed 14 police reports for vandalism, and five people have been arrested, with an additional five people issued federal citations.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
