Federal officials said Wednesday that a series of vandalism incidents targeting the National Mall has expanded to include damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, repeated “8647” markings and a message written in blood on the Washington Monument.
The Department of the Interior said the incidents have increased in recent weeks as restoration work ordered by President Donald Trump continues across the National Mall.
Interior Department communications director Katie Martin said the vandalism appears to be part of a broader pattern.
“Unfortunately, this summer has seen a significant increase in vandalism to the National Mall,” Martin told Fox News Digital.
She cited multiple “8647” markings, damage to the Reflecting Pool, vandalized equipment and an incident in which an individual allegedly wrote words in blood on the Washington Monument.
According to officials, the individual used their own blood to write the words “I’ve come” on the monument.
Authorities also reported multiple incidents involving the recently restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The Interior Department said the first known act of vandalism occurred June 9, shortly after restoration work was completed.
Martin said officials initially withheld details because they believed the incident was isolated and wanted to avoid encouraging copycat acts.
She said additional cases soon followed, including videos showing individuals damaging the pool’s new surface.
According to police reports reviewed by Fox News Digital, vandals cut more than 300 feet of the pool’s liner with what investigators described as razor-blade-like slashes.
Officials said sections measuring between 6 and 15 inches were completely removed.
Police also reported that fencing and chains surrounding the pool were pulled apart and thrown into the water.
The U.S. Park Police has asked the public for help identifying suspects connected to the vandalism.
Authorities said multiple arrests have already been made.
According to administration officials, five people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the Reflecting Pool.
Five additional people have received federal citations, and investigators have filed 14 police reports connected to damage at the site.
Among those charged is former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who faces a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.
Officials allege Hearn reached into the water and grabbed equipment being used by a National Park Service employee.
The vandalism also includes repeated “8647” markings on the National Mall.
Earlier this month, authorities launched an investigation after the numbers were carved into the grass near the Washington Monument.
President Trump has publicly condemned the vandalism, saying the newly restored Reflecting Pool and surrounding grounds were intentionally damaged.
White House officials said fencing around the Reflecting Pool, originally scheduled to be installed before Independence Day celebrations, will now be erected earlier to prevent additional damage, per Trending Politics.
“The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the Fourth of July,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said.
“With the increase in vandalism, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site,” Rogers added.
