Vandals Damage Ice Rink at Trump Kennedy Center, Cancel Show

Vandals poured a toxic substance onto the outdoor ice rink at the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., early on February 20, 2026, damaging the facility and forcing the cancellation of a scheduled evening performance by the Montreal-based skating troupe Le Patin Libre.

The incident occurred just before midnight on Thursday, when an individual entered the property and spread a dark, brown-black liquid across the rink's surface, according to center officials. The substance, described as toxic but not yet publicly identified, caused severe damage to the ice and surrounding structure. A gallon-sized container was left behind at the scene, and authorities are testing it for DNA evidence. No arrests have been made, and no motive has been announced.

U.S. Park Police, which has jurisdiction over the site, responded to the center's call for assistance the following day and is leading the investigation. Surveillance footage from the venue has been provided to the FBI for review. Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the center, described the act as a "calculated, malicious attack" in a statement. "Today, a targeted...