The iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC has become a global talking point after a vandalism incident earlier this month. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service (NPS), stated in a court filing that the pool's liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, damaging the foam sealant installed as part of a recent multi-million dollar rehabilitation project.

US President Donald Trump previously blamed vandals for a '300-foot-long gash' and accused someone of putting fertilizer in the water. In an interview with CBS News, Trump claimed evidence would be provided in court. However, the NPS filing does not specify when the damage occurred or identify any suspects.

The filing also noted that approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool. The statement is part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization seeking to halt the Trump administration's work on the site.

Renovations to the pool began in April and lasted two months, at Trump's request, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The basin was drained and a tinted polyurea liner installed. However, after refilling, the pool suffered from algae blooms and issues with blue paint.

US Park Police have arrested five people for vandalism related to the pool, and five others received federal citations. The NPS plans to drain the pool again after Independence Day on July 4 to conduct repairs.

Built in the 1920s and stretching 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the pool has long suffered from leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae, and bird droppings.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk