‘Deranged’ vandals fuel Mall sabotage trend, from blood writing to Reflecting Pool damage
FIRST ON FOX: Vandals have targeted the National Mall with multiple separate "8647" markings, a blood-written message on the Washington Monument and damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, prompting federal officials to warn of a growing trend.
"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," Interior Department communication director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital.
The pattern emerged after President Donald Trump ordered a restoration and repainting of the reflecting pool, which was met with protestors leaving multiple "razor-blade cuts" and removing fencing to then toss in water.
Fox News Digital learned that the first known incident targeting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool occurred June 9. Interior Department officials said they initially did not publicize the incident to avoid inspiring copycats, but a vandalism trend emerged nonetheless.
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"At the time of the June 9 incident, the vandalism was under investigation and believed to be isolated. So as not to encourage deranged individuals, we did not announce what we hoped to be an isolated incident," Interior Department communication director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital about the initial vandalism on the Reflecting Pool.
"It wasn't until several days thereafter that there were recurring cases and videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate," she added. "We then knew this was not an isolated incident, but a new trend to attempt to damage the Reflecting Pool."
Among the incidents cited by DOI unfolding on the National Mall were multiple "8647" markings. In a separate case, an individual used their own blood to write "I've come" on the Washington Monument, according to a police report reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.
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Earlier this month, a giant "8647" message appeared to be etched into the grass of the National Mall, prompting an investigation as federal authorities remain on heightened alert over political threats and violence.
The Reflecting Pool was vandalized on the very day it reopened after restoration and repainting, with the first perpetrator leaving "razor-blade-like slashes along the liner in the southern middle section of the pool," according to a police report reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The damages totaled over 300 feet with "some cuts [that] were slits while other sections measuring roughly 6–15 inches had been cut out entirely."
The same day, it was also reported that pieces of the surrounding metal fence were removed and thrown into the pool along with a broken black chain near the fence, said the same report.
U.S. Park Police posted a bulletin on X asking for public assistance in searching for a Reflecting Pool vandal along with a photo of the suspect.
"The United States Park Police is seeking assistance in identifying the individual depicted here in connection with a Destruction of Government Property investigation. The incident occurred on June 19, 2026, at approximately 3:36 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC," said the post.
"Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact the United States Park Police Tip Line: USPP_TIPline@nps.gov or (202) 379-4877," it read.
Trump posted a photo of the pool on Truth Social Wednesday after the pool redone prior to it being filled with water.
"This is the hard rubber surface — No Paint — Before the Vandals cut and pulled it apart," he wrote.
An administration official previously told Fox News Digital that five people have been arrested on vandalism charges for the pool, while federal citations were issued to five additional individuals. There also have been 14 police reports filed for vandalism against the pool.
Among those charged was former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was cited Saturday for misdemeanor destruction of government property. Authorities allege he reached into the water and grabbed a hose being used by a National Park Service worker.
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The administration had planned to fence off the Reflecting Pool ahead of the Fourth of July, when the area will serve as a fireworks launch site. Following the vandalism, officials moved up the installation by a week.
"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," said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers. "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.
"While the President was restoring a crown jewel of our nation’s capital, which is supported by Americans across the country, vandals were attempting to destroy, impede and delay the ongoing work," she added.
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Trump has publicly blasted the vandalism, first raising the issue on Truth Social Friday.
"Somebody went in with the knife and cut it. They cut it up good and then they cut at 200, 350 [feet], in the form of lots of little slits. We know horrible stuff," Trump said Tuesday while speaking with reporters.
Vandals "destroyed the grass. We put a brand-new big load of grass out there. They destroyed it. So it's all been fixed. But it's a shame," he added speaking of an "8647" message.
Protesters have gathered at the National Mall each day over Trump’s restoration with signs that read "Team Algae" referencing the water.