A former Olympic athlete has been formally accused of causing damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an incident characterized as vandalism by former President Donald Trump. David Hearn, a 67-year-old retired Olympic canoe racer, was charged with a felony for destroying property in Washington, DC. The prosecution alleges that Hearn intentionally tore up recently applied sealant, resulting in over $1,000 worth of damage, and refused to cease his actions when confronted.
During a press briefing on July 2, District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that Hearn aggressively and forcefully removed the pool’s liner using both hands and then became confrontational towards a National Park Service employee. Pirro emphasized the robust evidence in the case and mentioned that several other misdemeanor arrests had been made in connection with the incident. Hearn did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the charges.
Hearn has consistently denied causing harm to the landmark but later admitted to interacting with the pool on June 19 after noticing loose sealant. He explained that he only touched a section that was peeling off before being instructed to stop by a park worker. Hearn, who previously ran a company producing materials for watercraft construction, clarified that he had stopped at the memorial during a long bike ride, where he was detained by National Guard troops and US Park Police for five hours before being released.
In an interview with the Washington Post after his arrest, Hearn reiterated his innocence, stating he did not intentionally damage the pool and was unaware of the situation until being handcuffed. Former President Trump previously claimed that multiple arrests had been made by federal authorities for vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $14.7 million refurbishment project ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Allegations included a significant gash in the sealant, although no evidence supporting this claim has been publicly released. Hearn was initially detained on a misdemeanor charge of damaging government property.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, established in 1922, spans over 2,000 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, serving as a historic backdrop, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
