Washington Monument vandalized with blood as National Mall attacks surge

FIRST ON FOX: Vandals targeted the National Mall with multiple separate “8647” signs, a message written in blood on the Washington Monument and vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, prompting federal officials to warn of a growing trend.

“Unfortunately, this summer has seen a significant increase in vandalism on the National Mall, including several 8647 signs, a person writing words in his own blood on the Washington Monument, and cutting fuel lines around the Great American State Fair,” Interior Department communications director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital.

The pattern emerged after President Donald Trump ordered the restoration and repainting of the reflecting pool; this was met with protesters leaving multiple “razor cuts” and removing fences and throwing them into the water.

The first known incident targeting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool occurred on June 9, Fox News Digital has learned. Interior Ministry officials said they initially did not publicize the incident to avoid impersonators, but a trend of vandalism nevertheless emerged.

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Home Office communications director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital of the initial vandalism at the Reflecting Pool: “At the time of the June 9 incident, the vandalism was under investigation and believed to be isolated. To avoid encouraging destabilized individuals, we did not publicize what we hoped would be an isolated incident.”

“After a few days of this, recurring cases emerged and videos of people tearing off the coating started circulating,” he added. “We knew then that this was not an isolated incident but a new trend of damaging the Reflecting Pool.”

Among the incidents uncovered by DOI on the National Mall were numerous “8647” signs. In a separate case, a man used his own blood to write “I Came” 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 out that its widespread use in the restaurant industry means removing or refusing service, while the number 47 also appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.

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“After a few days of this, recurring cases appeared and videos of people tearing off the coating began to circulate.” (Ministry of the Interior)

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 high alert for political threats and violence.

According to a police report reviewed by Fox News Digital, the Reflecting Pool was vandalized the same day it reopened following restoration and repainting; the first perpetrator left “razor-like cuts along the liner in the south central portion of the pool.”

Damage totaled more than 300 feet “with some outages” [that] “There were gashes, and other sections measuring roughly 6-15 inches were completely cut off.”

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Among the slogans shouted was ‘Let’s grow and grow seaweed’. (Pete Kiehart of The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The same report stated that on the same day, parts of the surrounding metal fence were also removed and thrown into the pool along with the broken black chain near the fence.

U.S. Park Police issued a bulletin on X asking for the public’s help in the search for the Reflecting Pool vandal, along with a photo of the suspect.

“The United States Park Police is seeking assistance in identifying the individual depicted herein in connection with the Destruction of State 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,” the post reads. The statement was included.

“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,” the statement said.

Trump posted a photo of the pool on Truth Social on Wednesday, after it was redone before being filled with water.

“This is the hard rubber surface – No Paint – before the Vandals cut it open.” he wrote.

“This is the hard rubber surface – No Paint – before the Vandals cut it open.” (Donald J. Trump/Truth Social)

An administration official previously told Fox News Digital that five people were arrested on charges of vandalism of the pool and federal criminal charges were filed against all five people. There are also 14 police reports for vandalism of the pool.

Among those charged was former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was charged Saturday with misdemeanor destruction of government property. Authorities allege he reached into the water and grabbed a hose used by a National Park Service employee.

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Paint peeling at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. (REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon)

The administration had planned to fence off the Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4, when the area would serve as a fireworks launch site. Following the vandalism, authorities moved the facility up a week.

“The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced before July 4th. As in previous years, fencing was installed to ensure public safety as one of the fireworks launch pads is located around the pool,” said White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers. “With increased vandalism by left-wing activists, the fences are being removed earlier than originally planned to prevent further damage to this historic site.

“While the President was restoring the crown jewel of our nation’s capital, supported by Americans across the country, vandals were attempting to destroy, obstruct and delay the work in progress,” he added.

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Numbers “86 47” on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Trump publicly blasted the vandalism by first raising the issue on Truth Social Friday.

“Someone came in with a knife and cut it. They cut it well, then they cut it to 200, 350. [feet]in the form of many small slits. We know terrible things,” Trump said while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

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“Vandals destroyed the grass. We put a brand new big pile of grass in there. They destroyed it. So everything is fixed. But it’s a shame,” he added, referring to the “8647” message.

Protesters have been gathering on the National Mall every day over Trump’s restoration, holding signs that read “Team Moss,” a reference to water.