Several individuals faced arrest over the weekend following accusations of vandalizing the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This led to a stern response from President Donald Trump and heightened security measures at the location.

Journalist Emily Miller shared a video on Friday depicting a man, later identified by The Washington Post as 67-year-old David Hearn, being detained by U.S. Park Police. Hearn, a former Olympian, was charged with destruction of government property—a misdemeanor.

On Thursday, National Park Service staff and contractors used vacuums to clear green algae from the pool. Hearn stated he was unaware he was causing trouble, claiming he was examining a loose part of the pool liner after finishing a long bike ride. He denied any involvement with a hose used for algae removal, contradicting Miller’s claims that he “grabbed” it.

The former Olympian was previously arrested in 1996 for canoeing on the Potomac River, although those charges were later dropped. Regarding the current incident, Hearn insisted he didn’t damage anything.

Miller reported that seven people were detained on Friday for entering the pool, prompting increased security measures. President Trump addressed the issue on Truth Social, confirming multiple arrests related to vandalism. “These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair,” he wrote.

The Park Police and administration face criticism after the $14.8 million restoration project, as issues like peeling paint and algae have emerged.

Requests for comments from the White House, U.S. Park Police, and Miller were not immediately returned.

Journalist Alexandra Koch contributed to this article. She specializes in breaking news, covering significant national events, including various natural disasters and crises.