Two men have become the target of federal authorities after they were caught on video pushing boulders over at a Nevada national park while a frightened daughter of one of the suspects watched. The incident, which took place at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, was captured in a viral video that showed the vandals disturbing the incredible rock formations on April 7. The National Park Service has launched a search for the perpetrators, who could potentially face six months in prison and a $5,000 fine if apprehended. The deliberate destruction of the natural beauty at the park has been described as “almost a personal attack” by a park official.
In the video, a heavyset man in a red top and a skinnier man in a dark top are seen toppling two large rocks off an incline at the Redstone Dune Trail. The footage also captures the young girl screaming in concern for her father as he struggles to move one of the formations while nearly losing his balance. The act of vandalism has sparked outrage and disbelief among park officials and visitors, with many expressing their dismay at such destruction in one of their favorite places in the park. The vast 1.5 million-acre park, which includes two massive lakes and a portion of the Colorado River, attracts hordes of visitors each year, making the need to protect its natural wonders even more crucial.
The National Park Service is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects and has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Park officials emphasize the importance of visitor input in assisting with investigations and ensuring the preservation of the park’s beauty for future generations. The call for tips and information is essential in holding the vandals accountable for their actions and maintaining the integrity of the protected rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.