A wave of vandalism at some of America’s most recognizable monuments has federal officials sounding the alarm after repeated incidents damaged the National Mall during the summer. According to the Department of the Interior, vandals have targeted the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and other areas with acts of destruction that officials say have escalated as restoration work ordered by President Trump continues.
Among the most visible incidents are multiple “8647” markings that have appeared throughout the National Mall. Federal officials have also reported a disturbing case in which an individual allegedly used their own blood to write “I’ve come” on the Washington Monument. Authorities are investigating the incidents as part of what they describe as a growing pattern of politically charged vandalism.
Interior Department Communications Director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital that the vandalism has increased significantly in recent weeks.
“Unfortunately, this summer has seen a significant increase in vandalism to the National Mall, for example, several 8647 markings, a person writing words in their own blood on the Washington Monument and the cutting of fuel lines around the Great American State Fair,” Martin said.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been one of the primary targets. President Trump ordered the historic pool restored and repainted as part of a broader effort to improve the appearance of the National Mall. Officials say the project was met with repeated acts of vandalism almost immediately after work was completed.
According to police reports, the first incident occurred on June 9, when someone allegedly made hundreds of feet of razor blade-like cuts in the new liner installed in the Reflecting Pool. Authorities initially kept the incident quiet, believing it was an isolated act and hoping to avoid encouraging copycats. Instead, additional incidents followed.
Martin said officials realized the problem had become a trend after videos surfaced showing people intentionally damaging the restored surface.
Police reports indicate that more than 300 feet of the liner sustained damage, with sections completely cut out. Officials also reported that metal fencing and chains surrounding the pool were torn loose and thrown into the water.
The U.S. Park Police have released surveillance images seeking the public’s assistance in identifying at least one suspect connected to the destruction of government property. According to administration officials, five people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the Reflecting Pool, while five others have received federal citations. Authorities have also filed 14 separate police reports connected to damage at the site.
President Trump has publicly condemned the attacks, posting photographs of the restored pool before it was damaged and criticizing those responsible for cutting the new surface and destroying freshly installed grass nearby. The administration says fencing around the Reflecting Pool, originally scheduled to be installed before Independence Day because of nearby fireworks operations, was erected earlier than planned to prevent additional damage.
White House officials argue the restoration project was intended to preserve one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks and that the repeated vandalism has transformed what was meant to be a civic improvement into a law enforcement issue. As investigations continue, federal authorities say they remain committed to protecting historic monuments while pursuing those responsible for damaging public property.
These are Our enemies, and they are insane.