The Trump-Kennedy Center was hit by what officials described as a calculated and malicious act of vandalism early Friday after a dark chemical substance was poured across the venue’s outdoor ice rink, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled performance.
Center leadership said a brown black substance was deliberately dumped onto the ice surface overnight, causing significant damage and making the rink unsafe for use. Officials stressed that the incident was not a protest but an intentional act of destruction.
Roma Daravi, the Center’s vice president of public relations, said video footage has been turned over to authorities and that law enforcement is investigating. She described the attack as targeted and confirmed that Friday night’s performance had to be canceled due to the damage.
In a separate statement posted to X, Daravi said the outdoor plaza had been doused with what she called a toxic chemical and emphasized that violence and hate would not be tolerated at the nation’s cultural center. The exact substance used has not yet been publicly identified, and no suspects have been named.
The vandalism forced the cancellation of a performance by Le Patin Libre, a Canadian artistic skating company scheduled to appear throughout the weekend. Center staff are working to repair the rink as quickly as possible in hopes of resuming programming.
Richard Grenell, president of the Trump-Kennedy Center, strongly condemned the attack and suggested it follows months of pressure and criticism directed at the institution since its leadership changes. He warned that the Center has received serious threats and ongoing harassment.
The incident comes after the board of trustees voted in December 2025 to rename the venue the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. President Trump was later elected chairman of the board and recently announced plans for a temporary closure beginning July 4 to allow for major restoration and modernization work.
Officials said they remain committed to restoring the damaged arena and holding those responsible accountable as the investigation continues.
The post Vandals Dump ‘Toxic’ Substance On Trump-Kennedy Center Ice Rink, Forcing Cancellations appeared first on Real News Now.
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