President Donald Trump announced on August 9 that a National Park Service career employee, described as a highly credible witness, observed David Hearn of ActBlue vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in broad daylight. According to Trump, the witness saw Hearn "violently" ripping and tugging at the pool's delicate coating. The employee provided testimony to the U.S. Attorney's Office in early July.
Trump further alleged that other acts of vandalism occurred, including the use of an acid-like material on newly installed grass adjacent to the pool, where the letters "86 47" were written—a phrase Trump said likely originated from James Comey. He noted that there was substantial additional damage to the Reflecting Pool, but acknowledged that no video evidence exists beyond the damage itself.
The president stated that repair work is underway and the pool will reopen shortly. He also mentioned that a small area of damage was caused by contractor error during a rushed July 4th opening, calling it "relatively inconsequential." Trump added that security cameras have been and are being installed at the site.
