A former Olympic athlete has been formally accused of causing damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an incident that was condemned as vandalism by former President Donald Trump. David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoe racer, faced charges for alleged destruction of property in Washington, DC. Authorities claimed that Hearn intentionally tore up the recently applied sealant, causing over $1,000 in damages. The incident escalated when Hearn reportedly refused to halt his actions despite being confronted.
During a press briefing on July 2, District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro described Hearn’s actions as forceful and aggressive, stating that he forcefully removed the pool liner and displayed hostility towards a National Park Service employee. Pirro emphasized the substantial evidence supporting the case, mentioning several other misdemeanor arrests related to the incident.
Although Hearn initially declined to comment following the charges, he later clarified to the Associated Press that he had touched the sealant only after noticing a loose section. He maintained that he immediately stopped when instructed by a park worker. Hearn, who previously operated a company specializing in composite materials for watercraft construction, explained that he had paused at the memorial during a long bike ride before being detained for several hours by National Guard troops and US Park Police.
Despite his denial of intentional damage, Hearn recounted his arrest experience to the Washington Post, stating that he was handcuffed before fully understanding the situation. The incident sparked controversy, with Donald Trump alleging multiple arrests in connection with vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. Trump claimed that significant damage had been inflicted on the newly renovated pool, although no concrete evidence has been released to substantiate these claims.
The Reflecting Pool, an iconic feature linking the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has been a historic landmark since its construction in 1922. Notably, it provided the backdrop for Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
