A chemical was poured onto an ice rink installed at the outdoor plaza of the Trump-Kennedy Center on Friday, causing the cancellation of a skating show.
Roma Daravi, spokeswoman for the D.C. performing arts center, posted a photo of the spill and a chemical-filled jug on social media. She said the chemical was toxic and that authorities planned to investigate the “malicious act of vandalism.”
Trump @kencen was targeted today in a malicious act of vandalism
— Roma Daravi (@romadaravi) February 21, 2026
Our outdoor plaza was doused with a toxic chemical and severely damaged (see photo). We will not tolerate violence or hate at America’s cultural center. Authorities are investigating and those responsible will… pic.twitter.com/dIcd0OcKcL
Federal Park Police were reportedly investigating the chemical dumping, with the center saying it gave surveillance footage to law enforcement, according to Fox News Digital.
The rink was installed for the Canadian ice dancing company Le Patin Libre, which started showing “Murmuration” on Tuesday and planned for it to continue through Sunday.
The chemical rendered the rink unusable, causing the cancellation of Friday’s performance. Ms. Daravi told Fox News, however, that “we are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume [Saturday].”
Le Patin Libre founder and choreographer Alexandre Hamel told The New York Times that the troupe kept its dates at the Trump-Kennedy Center while others have pulled out as protests against President Trump because “we don’t have this kind of prosperity that allows us to live easily and perform when we want. We perform when we can, and we make the best out of it.”
Le Patin Libre explains on its website that “our company values are artistic independence, resilience in the face of adversity, and a willingness to confront and challenge our discipline and our world. Withdrawing the work would isolate it from the public at precisely the moment its message feels most urgent. For Le Patin Libre, choosing to perform Murmuration in Washington is an act of artistic responsibility.”
Le Patin Libre also said the company, as well as the skaters performing in “Murmuration,” will donate part of their proceeds to American groups focused on social justice and education.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.