Former Olympian indicted on felony charge for vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
A former Olympic canoe racer, David Hearn, faces a felony property destruction charge for allegedly damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., causing over $1,000 in damage.
Washington, D.C. – A former Olympic athlete has been indicted on a felony charge in connection with the alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hearn, 67, a former Olympic canoe racer from Bethesda, Maryland, was charged with one count of property destruction, according to District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Pirro stated that Hearn "forcefully and violently" pulled up the newly installed sealant from the bottom of the pool with both hands, causing more than $1,000 in damages. She described the act as deliberate and said Hearn acted belligerently toward an employee who instructed him to stop. Authorities have made approximately six other misdemeanor arrests related to the incident.
Hearn did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but previously told the Associated Press that he had only touched a loose piece of coating during a bike ride on June 19. He claimed he briefly examined a peeled section and let go after a park worker told him to. Hearn said he was detained by National Guard troops and park police for five hours before being released.
The incident occurred amid controversy over the $14 million rehabilitation project for the nation’s 250th anniversary, which President Donald Trump had touted. Instead of turning the water a vibrant "American flag blue," the pool quickly turned green due to algae bloom. Trump earlier this month mentioned that federal authorities had made multiple arrests for vandalism of the pool.
Hearn previously owned a company that manufactured composite materials for watercraft. The case is ongoing.
