President Donald Trump has announced that federal authorities have made multiple arrests of individuals he claims were vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. The pool, which underwent a $14-million-plus rehabilitation project, has been experiencing issues with its new blue lining peeling and algae growth.
Trump’s Claims
Trump posted on his social media site that the vandalism was a serious crime and that those responsible would face years in jail. However, he provided no details to substantiate his claim. The agencies responsible for law enforcement and upkeep on the National Mall, including the U.S. Park Police and National Park Service, did not respond to requests for comment.
One man, David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested and detained for five hours after he reached into the pool to examine the peeling coating. Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, said he was simply a curious citizen and did not intend to cause any harm.
Pool Issues
The Reflecting Pool’s problems have drawn negative attention, with many questioning the effectiveness of the rehabilitation project. Trump has acknowledged that the pool will need to be repaired again to restore it to its original condition.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
