Installation of Independence Day safety measures was deployed early due to the “increase in vandalism by leftist activists” in and around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In case it wasn’t bad enough that the political divide in the country drove numerous entertainers to bow out of a politically neutral celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the militants of the left have been unable to resist desecrating the nation’s capital. Between etching “8647” into the grass of the National Mall and allegedly tampering with the newly installed lining of the reflecting pool, AI surveillance cameras and fencing have been erected in advance of July 4.
Tuesday afternoon, TMZ DC’s Charlie Cotton shared video from the WWII Memorial side of the reflecting pool as workers set about installing fencing. He also snagged a photo of AI surveillance systems said to feature “real-time tracking, intrusion detection, HD monitoring, strobe lights, automated spotlights, and a loud, talk-down horn speaker.”
Fencing going up around Reflecting Pool pic.twitter.com/a3Ord1LQ0d
— CHARLIE COTTON (@hicharliecotton) June 23, 2026
New AI Surveillance at Reflecting Pool pic.twitter.com/qeZKUAj2tn
— CHARLIE COTTON (@hicharliecotton) June 23, 2026
While some were quick to jump to the conclusion that the fencing was solely because of recent reports of alleged vandalism of the reflecting pool, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior clarified that the barricade is a standard procedure for fireworks displays in the capital city. However, the decision to install it early was meant to prevent further damage ahead of the semiquincentennial festivities.
In a statement to People, a spokesperson said, “The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July. As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool, so fencing is put up to ensure public safety. With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site.”
Since the project began, corporate media, Democratic politicians, and activists have been up in arms over the beautifying efforts. Along with protests against cleaning up algae, numerous arrests included allegations of vandalism. Counted among them was former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, who claimed he hadn’t been read his rights and didn’t know what charges were being brought against him when he was handcuffed after reaching into the water.
As for the potential consequences for those alleged to have tampered with the reflecting pool, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Sunday that “Anyone,” potentially including ABC’s Jonathan Karl who was allegedly seen with his hand in the pool, “who is in a position of vandalizing, or attempting to vandalize, the Reflecting Pool will face the criminal justice system in D.C.”
Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump, who’d previously warned of a possible 10-year prison sentence for convictions for vandalizing memorials, posted to Truth Social, “Six people have been arrested, and seven people have been cited, for the damage they did to our Country’s now beautiful Reflecting Pool. The 350 foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length.”
“It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition,” he continued. “Likewise, the small area at the bottom of the Pool was cut and powerfully lifted off the surface leaving very jagged, uneven edges. The large areas of grass are being replaced. In any event, even prior to fixing those areas, the Reflecting Pool is as beautiful as can be. We will drain some of the water, either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair.”
