The temporary outdoor ice rink at the Kennedy Center was the target of a 'targeted attack' on Friday, with a 'toxic chemical' spread across the ice, forcing the cancellation of a planned performance, officials said.
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the centre, said in a statement: 'A targeted attack on the Trump Kennedy Center vandalized and destroyed our outdoor arena, causing severe damage that we unfortunately must cancel [Friday’s] performance, but we are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume tomorrow.'
The U.S. Park Police confirmed that an unidentified individual poured a substance onto the ice around 11:54 p.m. Thursday. The centre has turned over video footage to the authorities, including the FBI, who are investigating the incident.
Kennedy Center leadership, without providing evidence, linked the attack to the Democratic Party, which has criticised President Trump’s management and renaming of the centre. Richard Grenell, the centre’s chairman, wrote on X: 'This is so sad & unnecessary - The Democrats have been calling artists urging them to cancel and attacking the Center non-stop.'
The incident follows an unfounded bomb threat at the centre on Thursday, which prompted a temporary evacuation. The Kennedy Center has faced a tumultuous period since President Trump installed a new board, which voted to rename the venue after him, leading to legal challenges and cancellations by high-profile artists.
