The controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool continues to grow as additional arrests and new reports of damage emerge from the National Mall.
Earlier reports focused on the arrest of a former Olympian who was charged with destruction of property in connection with alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. The individual denied the allegations, claiming he merely attempted to touch a piece of paint and did not damage the site.
Since then, authorities have confirmed that multiple arrests have been made.
According to USA TODAY, at least five people were arrested between June 17 and June 21 on allegations of destroying government property at the Reflecting Pool. Brady McCarron, a spokesperson for the United States Marshals Service, said members of a federal-local law enforcement task force carried out the arrests. The Metropolitan Police Department reportedly was not involved.
The arrests come as concerns have mounted over damage observed at the recently renovated landmark. Local outlet WUSA9 reported that large strips and chunks of paint had begun appearing in the shallow water. Reporters at the scene said they witnessed visitors pulling loose material from the pool's surface, with some allegedly using kitchen tongs to remove pieces.
The incidents have fueled debate over what exactly is happening at the Reflecting Pool and whether the damage is the result of vandalism, construction issues, environmental factors, or some combination of those elements. The arrests suggest federal authorities believe at least some of the damage involved intentional acts.
Meanwhile, activists who have become associated with the so-called "pro-algae" movement remain active near the site. Videos circulating on social media show individuals confronting National Guard personnel stationed around the Reflecting Pool. In one clip, an activist can be heard praising the algae growth and encouraging it, declaring that it was "doing more to fight fascism than any American has."
The demonstrations have generated criticism from those who argue that the Reflecting Pool is a national monument that should be preserved regardless of political disagreements. National Guard personnel assigned to the area appeared largely uninterested in engaging with demonstrators, instead continuing their security duties while activists voiced objections nearby.
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation. Marine One was seen flying near the Reflecting Pool as the president returned to Joint Base Andrews on Sunday. Trump later posted on Truth Social that he had personally inspected the site and indicated that repairs would move forward.
According to Francois Rivard, vice president of Rhino Linings, a company involved in portions of the renovation work, repairs are not expected to be completed by July 4. However, Rivard emphasized that the pool remains structurally sound and leak-proof.
"The stripping appears to be the outer blue layer that's purely for aesthetics," Rivard explained.
He said investigators are examining whether the peeling resulted from deliberate human interference or from chemical conditions in the water. Regardless of the cause, Rivard stated that the underlying waterproofing system remains intact and functional.
That distinction is important because the renovation project was originally undertaken to address a major infrastructure problem. Prior to the repairs, the Reflecting Pool reportedly lost as much as 45,000 gallons of water per day due to leaks.
While officials continue investigating the source of the peeling surface material, the broader restoration effort appears to have achieved its primary objective of preventing those substantial water losses.