Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 22: People accused of vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will face full prosecution, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on Sunday, as authorities investigate damage and maintenance issues at the iconic Washington landmark.

Pirro said citations for vandalism have already been issued and warned that even minor offences must be prosecuted to maintain safety in the US capital.

“Anyone who is in a position of vandalizing or attempting to vandalize will face the criminal justice system in D.C.,” Pirro told Fox News during its “Sunday Briefing” programme.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump blamed vandalism for problems affecting the newly renovated pool, including peeling of its newly applied blue surface coating.

The 2,000-foot-long rectangular pool underwent a $14.7 million renovation project, which Trump had declared complete on June 6. He later claimed, without providing evidence, that vandals had poured corrosive chemicals into the pool.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump blamed what he described as “sick” and “deranged” individuals for the condition of the “seriously vandalized” pool and said earlier that it may be drained for repairs.

The landmark has also been affected by an algae bloom, causing the water to turn green. Pirro said those found adding substances that encourage algae growth could face more serious charges.

Workers from the National Park Service recently added hydrogen peroxide to the pool in an effort to control the algae.

Trump had first raised allegations of vandalism on Friday, claiming on social media that around 75 per cent of the algae had been removed. He also accused Jonathan Karl of attempting to damage the pool surface, an allegation for which no evidence was provided. ABC News had not immediately responded to a request for comment.