Washington Judge Dismisses Felony Vandalism Charge Against Former Olympian
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A Superior Court judge in Washington dismissed the felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after prosecutors concluded the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted from a flawed renovation, not vandalism.
A Washington Superior Court judge dismissed a felony vandalism charge on Thursday against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, ending a high-profile case that had centered on damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In a two-page order, Judge Todd E. Edelman approved a request from federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, to drop the case.
Prosecutors said the "widespread damage" to the pool’s blue lining was caused by a "botched" renovation ordered by the Trump administration earlier this year, contradicting earlier claims that vandals had cut the lining with knives. The dismissal was entered without prejudice, meaning the charge could be refiled, although Hearn’s lawyers had asked for a dismissal with prejudice.
"This whole thing has been really surreal and absurd," Hearn told CNN, adding that the outcome was a relief tempered by concern for the country.
Pirro had previously supported the president’s allegation that Hearn committed a felony, citing "tremendous evidence" and noting a potential ten-year prison term. She later told the court that prosecutors had been misled by the Interior Department, which had awarded a no-bid contract for the pool’s overhaul and failed to disclose that the new coating began to peel shortly after installation.
President Trump publicly disagreed with Pirro’s reversal, reiterating his belief that vandals were responsible and criticizing Pirro’s handling of the case. The dispute led to a meeting in the Oval Office involving Pirro, Trump, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, after which Pirro retained her position as U.S. attorney.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and the White House over the handling of high-profile investigations.