Quick Scoop: Who are the seven arrested for damaging the Reflecting Pool?

As of late June 2026, at least seven people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., according to the U.S. Interior Department. Another seven individuals were issued citations, and 18 additional police reports have been filed.

Background: What happened at the Reflecting Pool?

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a high-profile $14–16 million renovation in early 2026 under President Donald Trump’s direction. The project included draining the pool, installing a new tinted liner described as “American Flag Blue,” and fitting a water-purification system.

However, shortly after the pool was refilled in early June, problems emerged:

  • Algae bloom turned the water green for over a week.
  • Sections of the new blue liner began peeling off the pool floor.
  • Investigators reported a 350-foot gash and other cuts in the liner, allegedly made with knives or razors.

President Trump and administration officials blamed “deranged” vandals, saying the damage was “purposefully and criminally done.”

Arrests and citations: What do we know?

  • Initial announcement (June 22): Trump said six people had been arrested and seven cited.
  • Update (June 25–27): The Interior Department confirmed to the Associated Press that the number of arrests had risen to seven , with seven citations and 18 police reports.
  • Authorities have not publicly released the full list of names , charges, or detailed evidence for most cases.

One named individual: David Hearn

The most publicly identified person is David Hearn , a former U.S. Olympic canoeist:

  • He was arrested around June 20 after being seen touching the pool’s coating.
  • Hearn denies damaging the pool , telling reporters he was only inspecting it as a “concerned citizen.”
  • His case has been highlighted in White House communications about the vandalism.

Beyond Hearn, the identities of the other six arrestees have not been widely reported in mainstream sources as of late June 2026.

Controversy and skepticism

The vandalism narrative has faced pushback:

  • Timing questions: Park Service documents indicate the pool was refilled between June 4 and June 9 , and the first reported liner cut was logged on June 9 —before many of the peeling problems became visible.
  • No images released: Despite repeated promises, the Trump administration had not released clear photos or video conclusively showing people cutting the liner with knives or razors by late June.
  • Political criticism: Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Martin Heinrich, have called for investigations into the renovation contracts and whether taxpayer money was wasted on a flawed project.
  • Legal challenges: The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued to halt further work, arguing the administration rushed the project without proper expert consultation.

What’s next?

  • The Park Service plans to drain the pool again after July 4 to inspect and repair the liner and assess the full extent of damage.
  • Federal authorities continue to review surveillance footage and investigate additional suspects linked to the 18 police reports.
  • More arrests or charges could be announced as the investigation progresses, but as of now, only David Hearn has been clearly identified in public reporting among the seven arrested.

TL;DR: Seven people have been arrested and seven cited in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after its 2026 “American Flag Blue” renovation. Only one arrestee, former Olympian David Hearn, has been widely named; he denies causing damage. The Interior Department says the liner was cut with knives or razors, but critics question the evidence and point to possible construction or design flaws.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.