Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn Indicted for Vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, was indicted on a felony destruction of property charge for allegedly damaging sealant at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. He pleaded not guilty, with his attorney calling him a political scapegoat amid controversy over the Trump administration’s renovation project. The charge carries up to 10 years in prison, though a lesser sentence is expected. A judge rejected prosecutors’ request to bar Hearn from the pool.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Empty Reflecting Pool Threatens DOJ Vandalism Case Against Olympic Canoeist
The Trump administration's vandalism case against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn is on the verge of collapse after the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained, destroying key physical evidence. Hearn filed a motion to dismiss the federal indictment, arguing prosecutors failed to preserve the pool liner he is accused of damaging. Hearn's attorneys had made a written request to preserve the evidence, but the pool has been drained multiple times since his arrest, and large sections of the liner are missing. The case has always been weak, as others have noted the pool's paint and lining were already peeling. Trump blamed vandalism, but the damage likely resulted from adding hydrogen peroxide to kill algae. A D.C. Superior Court judge earlier rebuffed the government's attempt to bar Hearn from the pool. The White House has enlisted the FBI to bolster the case, but with the evidence destroyed, further investigation is unlikely to yield results. Over $14 million has already been spent on the Reflecting Pool project.
The New RepublicRaskin Defends Former Olympian Accused of Vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has publicly defended former Olympian David Hearn, who was arrested and charged with vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Raskin, whose district includes Hearn's hometown in Montgomery County, Maryland, issued a statement shortly after Hearn pleaded not guilty to the charges. The congressman vowed to do everything in his power to ensure Hearn receives a fair trial, characterizing the charges as 'trumped-up.' The incident has drawn political attention, with Raskin framing the case as potentially overblown. Hearn, a former Olympian, faces legal proceedings over the alleged vandalism at the iconic Washington, D.C., memorial.
Just In NewsDOL Loses First Major Motion in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
The Trump administration's prosecution of former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn for alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool suffered a setback on Thursday. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro sought to bar Hearn from the pool after he pleaded not guilty, but D.C. Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean rejected the request. Hearn's attorneys argued the government's evidence is weak, with attorney Norm Eisen stating, 'It is not a crime to touch the Reflecting Pool.' Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison for destruction of property, accused of ripping two square feet of blue paint. He maintains he only touched already-peeling paint. The article notes President Trump spent over $14 million on the pool, adding blue paint and later hydrogen peroxide that caused peeling. Trump has blamed vandalism for the pool's condition, and Pirro has charged at least four people. Hearn's supporters, including former Olympic officials, testified to his character and volunteer work maintaining National Park Service property.
The New RepublicAlleged Reflecting Pool vandal David Hearn pleads not guilty; lawyer calls him 'scapegoat'
David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of destruction of property in D.C. Superior Court for allegedly ripping up sealant in the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. His attorney, Norm Eisen, blasted the Trump administration, calling Hearn a political 'scapegoat' for the administration's controversial handling of the pool's renovation, which has faced criticism over a no-bid contract, peeling liner, and algae. Hearn was initially arrested on a misdemeanor after touching the pool during a bike ride. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro claims he forcefully removed a 2-square-foot piece of sealant, causing over $1,000 in damage. Supporters outside court held signs criticizing Trump. Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, though a lesser sentence is expected.
US Top News and AnalysisFormer U.S. Olympian David Hearn Pleads Not Guilty to Reflecting Pool Vandalism Charge
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a felony destruction of property charge for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Hearn appeared before Judge Carmen McLean in D.C. Superior Court for his arraignment. The judge released him on a personal recognizance bond and scheduled a status hearing. The case involves a notable public monument, and Hearn, a former Olympic athlete, faces a serious felony charge. Further court proceedings are expected.
Just In NewsFormer Olympic Canoeist David Hearn Indicted for Damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
A Washington, D.C., grand jury has indicted former Olympian David Hearn, 67, on a felony destruction of property charge related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The indictment was announced on Thursday by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Hearn, a former canoeist who competed in the Olympics, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The specific nature of the damage and the circumstances of his arrest were not detailed in the report, but the charge indicates significant property damage occurred at the iconic national monument.
Just In NewsOlympian David Hearn indicted for damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool sealant
U.S. Olympian canoeist David Hearn was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., on a felony charge of destruction of property for willfully damaging sealant in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the charge, stating that Hearn made a 'violent effort' to rip up the sealant, which is part of a renovation project prioritized by President Donald Trump. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Pirro emphasized that the landmarks belong to all Americans and must be protected. The article notes this is breaking news and may be updated.
US Top News and Analysis