Yes, Virginia there were vandals at the reflecting pool.

Yes, Virginia there were vandals at the reflecting pool.

The extremists were claiming that there was no vandalism being done. The pool was just peeling on its own. We have this from NBC News.

Confirmed types of damage

• Liner cut with a sharp knife or razor. NPS reported that the pool’s bottom liner and caulk were sliced deliberately. 
• Foam sealant and surface material destroyed. The damage included tearing up delaminating surface material. 
• Fence post tops thrown into the pool Roughly. 70 fence post caps were tossed into the water. 
• Recurring incidents of people ripping at the coating. Officials said videos circulated showing individuals pulling at the new coating. 
• Multiple arrests and citations. Reports list 5–7 arrests, plus federal citations and police reports for vandalism. 
• Additional vandalism trend Officials described a broader pattern of vandalism on the National Mall, including repeated attempts to damage the pool. 

Bottom line

Yes — people did cause real, documented damage to the Reflecting Pool, including cutting the liner, damaging sealant, ripping coating, and throwing objects into the water. Federal authorities have made arrests and opened multiple investigations.