Reuters reported on 25/6 that the US National Guard is conducting patrols in groups of three to four personnel around the reflecting pool, an iconic landmark in Washington, D.C. At night, the area is illuminated by solar-powered light towers. Several mobile security stations equipped with surveillance cameras are also positioned around the pool.
President Donald Trump previously accused "vandals" of cutting a gash 75-105 meters long in the pool, causing paint to peel and chemicals to be dumped into the water, promoting algae growth. He did not release evidence for these claims. When asked about evidence on 22/6, president Trump told reporters that it "will appear in court at the appropriate time".
The US Department of Interior announced on 23/6 that six people had been arrested on charges of vandalizing the reflecting pool, and six others had been issued citations under federal law. The agency stated it is investigating the "gash" mentioned by president Trump. The Department of Interior and the US Park Police (USPP), a law enforcement agency under the US National Park Service, did not disclose the identities of the suspects or the charges they face. David Hearn, a former olympic athlete, was among those arrested. In an interview with the Washington Post, Hearn denied the vandalism charges but stated he had reached into the pool and grabbed a piece of peeling paint. He is scheduled to appear in court in Washington on 9/7.
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US National Guard personnel stand near the reflecting pool in Washington on 21/6. Photo: AP |
US National Guard personnel stand near the reflecting pool in Washington on 21/6. Photo: AP
The presence of security forces made Mary Jane Willard, a tourist from Seattle, feel uneasy. "It's sad to come here and see all the fences, national guard soldiers, and surveillance cameras. These things shouldn't be here", Willard said. However, Joanna Walling, a resident of Florida, stated, "I came here to see it firsthand and expected to see something different. I think it looks quite good. No one is vandalizing here today".
Despite the increased surveillance, the atmosphere near the reflecting pool on 24/6 remained relaxed, with visitors enjoying a sunny early summer morning around the landmark.
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Peeling paint and algae at the reflecting pool in Washington on 21/6. Photo: AP |
Peeling paint and algae at the reflecting pool in Washington on 21/6. Photo: AP
The reflecting pool is an iconic landmark designed to reflect the Washington Monument in the national mall, near the Lincoln Memorial. President Trump announced on 6/6 that a 14,7 million USD renovation project for the reflecting pool had been completed. Not long after, workers began pouring hydrogen peroxide into the pool to treat an algae bloom that turned the water green instead of the intended dark blue. Last week, the paint on the bottom of the pool also began to peel. The renovation of the reflecting pool is part of president Trump's larger plan to redevelop Washington, which includes demolishing the east wing of the White House to build a new ballroom and constructing a giant arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
Pham Giang (According to Reuters)
