A video circulating on social media shows a cyclist being detained by U.S. Park Police near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Alongside this, additional footage and photos reveal National Guard personnel stationed at the site due to concerns over vandalism.
This increase in security presence follows claims by President Donald Trump that the newly renovated site has been targeted by vandals. The heightened security measures are affecting visitors, cleanup crews, and officials around Washington’s major landmarks.
Arrest Video Circulates Online
A video on social media captures U.S. Park Police officers detaining a cyclist on the grass near the reflecting pool. Officers, dressed in dark uniforms labeled “U.S. Park Police,” are seen placing the cyclist in handcuffs next to a bicycle by the water’s edge.
In the video, National Guard personnel appear in the background, wearing camouflage uniforms and standing on the grass and paved areas. A post with the video from commentator Emily Miller suggests the cyclist interfered with National Park Service cleanup efforts, though Newsweek has not verified these claims.
National Guard Presence Seen At Site
Images and footage from recent days depict the National Guard’s presence around the reflecting pool. The personnel, dressed in full camouflage, patrol areas near the Lincoln Memorial and along the water, visible with the Washington Monument as a backdrop.
Guard members can be seen walking in formation, standing at intervals along the pool’s edges, and monitoring activities during cleanup operations. National Park Service workers continue to use hoses and vacuum-like equipment to manage algae growth in the water.
Trump’s Vandalism Claims
Amid this, Trump has claimed that the reflecting pool was subject to vandalism, alleging that chemicals or other methods were used to damage the site. The pool’s recent $14 million renovation came under scrutiny after rapid algae growth and surface material issues.
According to officials, the algae bloom is part of a normal startup phase, yet cleanup efforts are ongoing. Experts highlight that the lack of filtration systems in reflecting pools, unlike swimming pools, poses challenges in algae control. John Wilson Jr., a water systems specialist, mentioned the inevitability of algae when fresh water remains stagnant.
What Happens Next
Whether the cyclist’s arrest directly connects to vandalism claims or is part of routine enforcement awaits confirmation from U.S. Park Police. Further clarification on the National Guard’s role will inform the public on how the situation at the reflecting pool will progress.