The Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., experienced an act of vandalism early Friday morning when an unidentified toxic chemical was deliberately spread across its outdoor ice rink. The incident led to severe damage to the rink's surface and the consequent cancellation of a performance scheduled for that evening.
The rink, a temporary fixture at the center designed for winter programming, was to be the stage for Le Patin Libre, an artistic skating company based in Montreal. The center's officials described the incident as a targeted act of vandalism that forced them to halt the evening's event. Images shared by the venue indicated the presence of a dark brown substance dispersed over the ice and an abandoned black gallon-sized plastic container at the scene. While the chemical's exact nature has not been disclosed, officials confirmed its toxicity.
Roma Daravi, the center's Vice President of Public Relations, expressed dismay over the attack, emphasizing the team's efforts to repair the damage quickly to resume scheduled programming. The U.S. Park Police have taken the lead in the ongoing investigation, with surveillance footage from the center aiding in the search for suspects. To date, no individuals have been apprehended, and the motive behind the vandalism remains unclear.
The venue's president, Richard Grenell, took to social media to address the incident, attributing it to what he perceives as increased political animosity towards the center following its recent renaming in honor of President Donald Trump. He recounted instances of harassment and pressure directed at the center, including calls for artists to cancel their performances.
This isn't the first time the center has found itself in the center of controversy. The renaming, announced in December, changed the institution's name from its original dedication to President John F. Kennedy. The decision has sparked significant public dissent, leading to organized criticism and campaigns against the center and its performers. The Washington National Opera, for example, moved its spring season performances elsewhere in response to the controversy. Despite these tensions, officials maintain that the vandalism was not part of an organized protest.
The Trump-Kennedy Center is also preparing for a significant renovation set to close the facility for up to two years, planned to commence after national anniversary celebrations later in the summer.
