Three more people charged with damaging Reflecting Pool after Trump’s multimillion-dollar restoration
Three Individuals Face Charges Following Reflecting Pool Paint Removal Incident
Three more people charged with damaging – Legal proceedings have been initiated against three individuals who allegedly removed sections of blue paint from the historic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. According to official court filings, officers apprehended Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Justin Carreno during a Saturday afternoon in June. The incident was captured on body-worn cameras worn by the responding officers, providing visual documentation of the events as they unfolded.
Details of the Arrest and Evidence
Court documents reveal that law enforcement officers observed the trio actively peeling and extracting pieces of the pool’s blue coating. One officer specifically noted witnessing Carreno reach into the water and retrieve a fragment of the blue paint material. Meanwhile, the officer who detained Dennison-Gibby discovered an additional piece of the reflecting pool liner concealed inside her purse. These physical pieces of evidence helped establish the connection between the individuals and the damaged surface.
One officer stated in court documents that Thiers “admitted to removing a piece of blue sealant from the Reflecting Pool and still had it in his hand when I made contact with him.”
The response involved multiple agencies working in coordination. Several partnering law enforcement organizations assigned to monitor the Reflecting Pool collaborated with the US Park Police in detaining the two men and one woman. The collaborative effort included officers traveling from various states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, and California, demonstrating the broad scope of the security presence at this Washington, DC landmark.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
The three defendants appeared in court on Wednesday for their arraignment proceedings. During these hearings, each individual entered a plea of not guilty to misdemeanor charges related to property destruction. The specific charges carry a valuation of less than $1,000 for the damaged property. Under applicable law, if convicted, the defendants could face financial penalties reaching $1,000 and potentially serve up to 180 days in jail.
The presiding judge issued an order requiring all three individuals to maintain distance from the Reflecting Pool area. Legal representatives for Thiers and Dennison-Gibby chose not to provide public statements regarding the charges. CNN has contacted Carreno’s attorney for additional commentary on the case.
Broader Context and Related Incidents
The New York Times was the first news organization to report on these additional charges. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about damage to the Reflecting Pool following a substantial renovation project. President Donald Trump has made repeated assertions that vandals inflicted significant harm to the pool’s lining after his administration invested more than $14 million in restoration work. However, the president has not presented concrete evidence to substantiate these claims.
It is important to note that the officers bringing charges against Carreno, Thiers, and Dennison-Gibby did not accuse them of gashing the pool’s lining. Their charges relate specifically to the removal of paint sections rather than structural damage to the liner.
In a separate but related development, former Olympic canoeist David Hearn received an indictment from a Washington, DC grand jury last week. Hearn faces more serious allegations than the three recently charged individuals. His charges involve destruction of property valued at more than $1,000, which carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years upon conviction. Hearn entered a not guilty plea in DC Superior Court on Thursday regarding the allegations of pool damage.
Repair Efforts and Ongoing Issues
According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, maintenance crews initiated the process of draining the Reflecting Pool over the weekend. This marks the second time in three months that the iconic landmark has undergone such extensive drainage procedures to facilitate necessary repairs. The current efforts follow weeks of complications that have affected the pool’s appearance and functionality.
The problems plaguing the Reflecting Pool have been multifaceted. Algae blooms have contributed to the water’s greenish hue, while the pool’s bottom has experienced chipping and deterioration. Combined with the administration’s allegations of vandalism, these issues have transformed the once-pristine landmark into a subject of national attention and debate.
This report has been updated to incorporate the latest information regarding the charges and the ongoing situation at the Reflecting Pool.
