U.S. Park Police are actively seeking the public's help to identify a person of interest in an ongoing investigation into alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The department released a video on Wednesday showing an individual reaching into the pool and appearing to retrieve something from the water.

The incident, which is being investigated as destruction of government property, reportedly occurred on Friday, June 19, at approximately 3:36 p.m. ET. The video, though somewhat blurry and captured from a distance, is the primary piece of evidence being used to solicit tips from the public. Park Police have urged anyone with information regarding the individual's identity to contact their dedicated tip line.

This investigation comes amid ongoing claims by President Donald Trump regarding vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, which recently underwent a $16 million renovation. President Trump has frequently blamed "thugs" and "bad people" for alleged damage to the site. He stated on Wednesday evening during remarks at the National Mall that "vandals got to it" but added that "they’ve largely been caught and are being prosecuted."

The White House has not yet provided concrete evidence to substantiate claims of widespread vandalism to the Reflecting Pool following the renovation. Despite President Trump's assertions of arrests and prosecutions, the Park Police's current bulletin indicates a need to identify a specific individual, suggesting the investigation is still in its early stages regarding this particular incident.

Earlier this week, the Interior Department and U.S. Park Police, through a spokesperson, confirmed that several arrests and federal citations had been issued for alleged vandalism incidents. President Trump had stated on Tuesday that six individuals had been arrested in connection with such acts. He also mentioned plans for the Reflecting Pool to be drained again around the Fourth of July for "permanent repair."

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a prominent landmark on the National Mall, has been the subject of scrutiny and public statements from the President following its extensive renovation. The recent focus on alleged vandalism has coincided with broader discussions about the preservation of national monuments.

Officials are hoping that the release of the video will generate leads that will help identify the person seen in the footage. The investigation remains active, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving cases of destruction of public property.

Further details regarding the specific nature of the alleged retrieval from the pool or the extent of any damage remain unclear as the investigation continues. Park Police have not provided additional information about the source of the video or other potential witnesses.