Former Olympic Canoeist Charged with Felony Over Reflecting Pool Damage
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A grand jury indicted former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on felony destruction-of-property charges for alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he faces up to ten years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Thursday that a grand jury returned a felony indictment against 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist David Hearn for allegedly pulling up and removing part of the Reflecting Pool’s bottom liner. Pirro said the alleged damage, estimated at roughly two square feet of sealant, warranted a felony charge because the value exceeded $1,000.
Hearn denied any wrongdoing, stating he was merely curious about the pool’s painted surface during a June 19 visit and that he reached into the water without removing any material. National Park Service employees, according to Pirro, told Hearn to stop, and he allegedly shouted at an employee before continuing.
The indictment comes amid criticism of a $13.1 million renovation of the pool, a project initiated by President Donald Trump that involved a no-bid contract to resurface the pool in a color he called “American flag blue.” The pool reopened in early June but quickly developed an algae bloom and paint peeling, prompting Trump to suggest vandalism was responsible.
A hearing in Hearn’s case is set for July 9. In the meantime, the Reflecting Pool area remains fenced off as preparations for the July 4 fireworks display continue, with nets installed to catch debris that might fall into the water.