A former Olympic athlete has denied allegations that he vandalised the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C., a symbol of national pride. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has sparked outrage and a flurry of speculation on social media.
The accused, whose name has not been released due to legal restrictions, is said to have poured a red dye into the pool, staining the water a deep crimson. Witnesses reported seeing a figure matching his description fleeing the scene shortly after the pool turned red.
In a statement released through his lawyer, the Olympian vehemently denied any involvement, calling the accusations "baseless" and "politically motivated." He claims he was at a private dinner miles away at the time of the incident and has provided a list of witnesses to corroborate his alibi.
The National Park Service, which oversees the Reflecting Pool, has launched an investigation. The pool was drained and cleaned overnight at a cost of £50,000 to taxpayers. Officials say the dye was non-toxic but caused significant disruption.
This is not the first time the Reflecting Pool has been targeted. In 2020, protestors used red paint to highlight police brutality, and last year, climate activists staged a die-in. But the involvement of a celebrated sports figure adds a new dimension.
The Olympian, a gold medallist in swimming, has a history of activism. He was vocal about racial inequality during the Tokyo Games and has been critical of the current administration. Some see this as a setup to discredit him. Others say his profile makes him a target for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the police are reviewing CCTV footage and have appealed for witnesses. The suspect could face charges of vandalism and disorderly conduct, which carry up to a year in prison.
The story is developing. We will bring you more as we get it.
