The Trump-Kennedy Center was targeted in what officials described as a “calculated, malicious attack” early Friday after a dark, “toxic” substance was deliberately poured across the venue’s outdoor ice rink, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled performance and prompting a law enforcement investigation.
According to Center leadership, a brown-black chemical was dumped onto the ice surface sometime overnight, severely damaging the rink and rendering it unsafe for use.
“This was not a protest — this was vandalism,” Trump-Kennedy Center officials said, emphasizing that the incident appeared deliberate and targeted.
“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,” Roma Daravi, the Center’s vice president of public relations, said in a statement to Fox News on Friday. “We have turned over video footage to the authorities who are investigating this calculated, malicious attack and will hold those responsible accountable.”
Daravi added that Center staff are “working feverishly” to complete repairs in hopes that programming can resume as soon as possible.
🚨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
The exact chemical used in the attack has not yet been publicly identified. Authorities have not named a suspect or announced a motive. U.S. Park Police are investigating the incident.
Details on why tonight’s performance of Le Patin Libre: 𝑀𝑢𝑟𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 was cancelled from @FoxNews.
— The Trump Kennedy Center (@kencen) February 21, 2026
“EXCLUSIVE: ‘Targeted attack’ vandalizes Trump-Kennedy Center outdoor ice rink, forces performance cancellation.”https://t.co/ENHrqMguzT https://t.co/iH13wRz1Ye
This is so sad & unnecessary - @TheDemocrats have been calling artists urging them to cancel and attacking the Center non-stop.
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) February 21, 2026
It’s a calculated campaign.
And now they have mentally unstable people taking action - and vandalizing the Center.
We’ve seen serious death…
“It’s a calculated campaign,” Grenell added. “And now they have mentally unstable people taking action — and vandalizing the Center.” Grenell also warned that the venue has received “serious death threats and constant harassment” in recent months, urging “commonsense Democrats” to speak out before the escalation turns deadly.
The incident comes amid major changes at the historic performing arts complex. In December 2025, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the venue the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. President Donald Trump was later elected chairman of the board. Earlier this month, Trump announced the venue would undergo a temporary closure beginning July 4 to allow for a sweeping restoration and modernization project.
Despite Friday’s vandalism, Trump-Kennedy Center officials said they remain committed to restoring the damaged arena quickly and resuming scheduled programming. Violence and destruction, leadership emphasized, “will not be tolerated,” and those responsible “will be held accountable.”
