U.S. Attorney Dismisses Charges Against Olympian Over Reflecting Pool Damage
U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro has moved to dismiss a felony charge against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool. In court filings, Pirro stated that damage to the pool’s sealant resulted from a 'flawed installation' rather than intentional vandalism by Hearn. Hearn had been charged in early July with destruction of government property after it was alleged he tore up part of the pool liner during an April 2026 visit. His legal team argued that the Trump administration unfairly targeted him as a scapegoat for issues arising from the controversial renovation project, which President Donald Trump often highlighted. The case has drawn attention due to its political undertones and implications regarding accountability in public infrastructure projects.
Topics: Lincoln Memorial U.S. Attorney vandalism