Former Olympic Canoeist Indicted in Felony Case Over Alleged Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vandalism]

Former Olympic Canoeist Indicted in Felony Case Over Alleged Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vandalism]

A former Olympic canoeist has been indicted on a felony charge related to alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., according to federal prosecutors.

David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was charged with a single count of property destruction in Washington D.C. court. Prosecutors allege that Hearn intentionally damaged newly installed sealant on the pool in what President Donald Trump has publicly described as a deliberate act of vandalism.

The District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s office, led by Jeanine Pirro, stated that Hearn caused more than $1,000 in damage by forcibly pulling up the pool’s bottom liner “with both hands” and behaving belligerently toward an employee who asked him to stop.

Pirro emphasized the strength of the evidence in the case and noted that authorities have made approximately six other arrests on misdemeanor charges connected to the incident.

Hearn, who previously competed in the Olympics as a canoe racer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He told the Associated Press that he entered the pool on June 19 to examine the newly peeled coating, briefly touching a section still attached to the pool before releasing it after a park worker instructed him to leave.

The former Olympian, who owned a company specializing in composite materials for watercraft construction, told reporters he was passing by the pool during a 64-mile bike ride when the incident occurred. He was detained by National Guard troops and Park Police for five hours before being released.

The vandalism allegations emerged as federal officials struggled to explain issues with the $14 million Reflecting Pool rehabilitation project, which was launched to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Instead of achieving the intended vibrant “American flag blue” appearance, the pool developed algae blooms and turned green within days of completion.

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