White House asks Justice Department to reconsider dismissed reflecting-pool case against former Olympian
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The White House has requested the Justice Department review possible new charges against David Hearn, whose vandalism case was dismissed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, citing insufficient evidence.
The White House has asked officials at the Justice Department’s Washington headquarters to evaluate whether new charges should be filed against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Hearn’s case was dismissed on July 31 by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who said evidence indicated the damage occurred before Hearn’s June bike ride and that it was difficult to prove vandalism beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pirro’s 20-page filing attributed the damage to a contractor’s flawed installation. Hearn maintains he only touched a detached piece of lining while in the water. The request to revisit the case was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
A Justice Department spokesperson said the agency “follows the evidence when determining if crimes have been committed” and evaluates cases based on facts and law, without confirming whether new charges are being considered.
Representing Hearn, attorneys Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin called the White House request “another bizarre turn,” suggesting it would be unprecedented for a case dismissed for lack of evidence to be revived.
The White House did not directly comment on the request, referring inquiries to the Justice Department and linking to recent posts by President Donald Trump urging reconsideration of Pirro’s decision.