Lincoln Memorial Briefly Closes After Grads Leave Broken Bottles, Spilled Alcohol: Officials

The Lincoln Memorial was briefly closed to the general public Saturday after celebrating college graduates left a large number on the steps of the monument, Nationwide Park Service officers stated.

“Litter, damaged bottles and spilled wine and champagne” have been seen the morning after the unofficial gathering, NPS spokesperson Mike Litterst stated.

The memorial reopened after workers cleaned up the mess, officers stated about midday Saturday.

Although Litterst didn’t publicly identify which faculty or colleges the graduates could also be affiliated with, Georgetown College stated in a press release that it was monitoring “the regarding and disappointing exercise on the Lincoln Memorial.”

The assertion goes on to say: “Whereas Georgetown is one among a number of establishments celebrating commencement ceremonies this weekend, we’ve had no College-sponsored occasions at or across the Lincoln Memorial. We count on all members of our group to be accountable residents of our campus and our metropolis and be respectful of the historical past and establishments of Washington, D.C.”

No arrests or citations have been made, Litterst stated. Consuming alcohol shouldn’t be allowed on the Nationwide Mall.

The closure comes in the future earlier than the Lincoln Memorial’s centennial celebration. The monument is ready to reopen as soon as it’s clear and secure, Litterst stated.

No adjustments have been introduced for Sunday’s centennial.

Stick with News4 for extra on this growing story.