Trump-Kennedy Center outdoor rink vandalized, officials call it a ‘targeted attack’

WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump-Kennedy Center had to cancel an ice skating performance on Friday, February 20, after someone poured a "toxic chemical" over its outdoor rink.

Officials are calling the incident a “calculated, malicious attack” of vandalism and are working with authorities to find those responsible.

Trump-Kennedy Center cancels show after toxic attack

Management at the center made it clear that this was not a protest but a direct attack intended to destroy property. Early Friday morning, a brown-black chemical was spread across the outdoor ice, making it unsafe to use.

Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, while speaking to Fox News Digital, commented on the situation, stating, "Today, a targeted attack on the Trump Kennedy Center vandalized and destroyed our outdoor arena, causing severe damage that we unfortunately must cancel tonight’s performance, but we are working feverishly to complete repairs so programming can resume tomorrow."

In an X post, Daravi further stated, "Sadly the media and democrats have been promoting violent rhetoric since the day @realDonaldTrump arrived to save the Center, so they need to speak out against this violence now and put an end to further attacks."

Police probe toxic vandalism at Trump-Kennedy Center

Although investigators have confirmed that the substance is toxic, they have not yet announced exactly what the chemical is. The vandalism forced the cancellation of a show by the skating group Le Patin Libre.

The center has handed over security footage to police and issued a firm warning that violence will not be tolerated, stating, "We have turned over video footage to the authorities who are investigating this calculated, malicious attack and hold those responsible accountable.”

It may be noted that, as of now, neither a suspect nor a motive has been identified by either the Trump-Kennedy Center or authorities for the vandalism at the performing arts center.

Trump-Kennedy Center pushes ahead with $257M renovation

This incident comes during a period of major changes for the facility. In December 2025, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the building "The Donald J Trump and The John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts," and later Donald Trump became chairman of the board.

The center is also preparing for a $257 million renovation project funded by Congress to address long-standing infrastructure problems.

It may be noted that the complex, which opened in 1971, has faced years of financial strain and structural deterioration before new funding was secured.

The center’s vice president of public relations asserted that the primary goal for staff is to clean the rink and restore normal operations as quickly as possible while police investigate the incident.