FIRST ON FOX: ‘Targeted attack’ vandalizes Trump-Kennedy Center ice rink

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump-Kennedy Center was the target of what officials described as a “calculated and malicious attack” Friday morning after a “toxic chemical” was dumped on its outdoor rink, forcing the cancellation of a show.

Officials at the Trump-Kennedy Center said a dark substance was spilled onto the ice surface, severely damaging the outdoor arena.

Leaders said the incident was not a protest but an act of outright vandalism aimed at the Trump-Kennedy Center.

“Today, a targeted attack on the Trump Kennedy Center vandalized and destroyed our outdoor arena, causing such severe damage that we unfortunately must cancel tonight’s performance, but we are working feverishly to complete repairs so that programming can resume tomorrow,” Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Trump-Kennedy Center, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We have handed over video footage to authorities who are investigating this calculated and malicious attack and holding those responsible to account.”

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A split image shows a dark substance spilled on the outdoor rink at the Trump-Kennedy Center alongside skaters rehearsing before the show was canceled. Authorities said video footage had been turned over to authorities. (Courtesy of the Trump-Kennedy Center)

The leaders added that violence “will not be tolerated” at the Trump-Kennedy Center and said those responsible would be held accountable.

Officials at the Trump-Kennedy Center said a brown-black substance was spilled on the ice early Friday morning. Footage from the scene shows the material spread widely across the rink, with what appears to be a gallon-sized milk container visible on the ice.

Site managers said the substance was “toxic.” The exact chemical has not yet been publicly identified.

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A gallon-sized container sits in a dark substance spilled on the outdoor rink at the Trump-Kennedy Center, in an image provided exclusively to Fox News Digital. Officials said the material was dumped on the ice in what they described as a “targeted attack.” (Courtesy of the Trump-Kennedy Center)

Vandalism forced the cancellation of a planned performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center by Montreal skating company Le Patin Libre.

The incident comes amid a broader transformation of the Trump-Kennedy Center following a management overhaul and significant funding secured for long-delayed infrastructure improvements.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in December 2025 to rename the facility “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

President Donald Trump was later elected chairman of the board.

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The outdoor skating rink at the Kennedy Center plaza is visible after officials say a substance was spilled on the surface, canceling a planned performance. The image was provided exclusively to Fox News Digital. (Courtesy of the Trump-Kennedy Center)

Fox News Digital previously reported that the Center was planning a temporary closure starting July 4 for an extensive restoration and modernization project. Executives cited about $250 million in deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure accumulated over decades.

Congress allocated $257 million for renovations as part of Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” and officials described the project as critical to stabilizing and preserving the nation’s premier performing arts institution for future generations.

The resort, opened in 1971, faced years of financial difficulties and structural deterioration before securing new financing.

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Daravi said the institution intends to pursue liability for the damages and restore the outdoor arena as quickly as possible, so programming can continue as planned.

Neither the suspect nor the motive have been publicly identified by either the Trump-Kennedy Center or authorities.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the Trump-Kennedy Center works to restore the damaged outdoor arena and resume scheduled programming.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.