D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial was closed for cleaning Saturday morning after National Mall officials said students from a local university celebrating their graduation left the area littered with trash.
The National Park Service said the memorial reopened to the public just before noon Saturday following a quick cleaning to remove broken bottles, spilled wine, Champagne and other trash that had covered the building’s iconic steps.
“Thanks to our facilities staff for the quick clean up this morning. The Lincoln Memorial is open. We appreciate your patience,” NPS tweeted.
Park officials did not specify which school they believe was involved. Georgetown University issued a statement after reports its students were among those celebrating at the memorial early Saturday, saying the school was monitoring “concerning and disappointing” activity.
“While Georgetown is one of several institutions celebrating graduation ceremonies this weekend, we have had no university-sponsored events at or around the Lincoln Memorial,” a Georgetown spokesperson told WTOP. “We expect all members of our community to be responsible citizens of our campus and our city and be respectful of the history and institutions of Washington.”
The Lincoln Memorial is closed this morning following a local university graduation celebration that left litter, broken bottles and spilled wine and Champagne covering the steps. We will reopen as soon as the area has been cleaned and made safe. pic.twitter.com/AVuOeoof0y
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) May 21, 2022
WTOP’s Alejandro Alvarez contributed to this report.
