Interior Department adds fencing around Reflecting Pool amid reports of vandalism

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The Interior Department added fencing around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Tuesday amid reports of vandalism.

“With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site,” an Interior Department spokesperson told The Hill, noting that fencing is usually added during Fourth of July celebrations to ensure public safety.

Bystanders watching the fencing go up also saw officials wheeling in AI surveillance cameras that have real-time tracking features, intrusion detection, HD monitoring, strobe lights, automated spotlights and loud, talk-down horn speaker, according to a report from TMZ.

The Interior Department and National Park Service did not respond to inquiries regarding the added security measure.

President Trump has accused individuals of pouring chemicals into the Reflecting Pool’s water that resulted in an algae bloom, which in turn caused the water to revert to a green mucky color after millions of dollars were spent on renovation efforts.

One dead duckling was found floating in the water over the weekend, in addition to two other deceased ducklings found nearby the monument following Trump’s claims of vandalism.

The president also alleged there was a 350-foot gash in the pool made by a “very sharp knife or razors.”

Five individuals have been arrested in connection to the reports of vandalism and Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Colombia, said others would soon be prosecuted.

Former Olympian David Hearn, 67, was one of the people arrested on misdemeanor charges for allegedly vandalizing the newly renovated Reflecting Pool.

His attorneys argue that he was detained after merely touching the water.

“It’s not a federal crime to touch water,” Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, said during an appearance on MS NOW.

The National Park Service is handling the investigation into reports of people defacing government property, which carries a 10-year maximum sentence.

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