A former US Olympic canoeist has been indicted on a felony charge after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, federal prosecutors said.

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David "Davey" Hearn, 67, is accused of causing about $1,000 (£750) in damage to the landmark after allegedly pulling up newly installed sealant from the bottom of the pool on 19 June.

Former canoeist faces felony charge

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment on Thursday, saying the damage occurred shortly after renovation work had been completed.

"The defendant ripped a piece of recently installed sealant on the bottom of the reflecting pool," Pirro said. She described the incident as a deliberate act that damaged a restoration project carried out by the National Park Service.

Hearn denies wrongdoing

Hearn, a three-time US Olympic canoeist, has denied the allegations.

He previously told the BBC that he had stopped by the Reflecting Pool after a long bike ride out of curiosity about its condition. He said he only touched material that had already come loose and insisted he "didn't destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part" of the coating.

His lawyers also rejected the charges, calling the prosecution politically motivated.

In a statement issued after the indictment, they said Hearn was innocent and argued that the case reflected "the administration's effort to shift blame for their own failures".

Hearn has previously described his arrest as an "arbitrary, capricious prosecution".

Ongoing problems at the Reflecting Pool

The Reflecting Pool has experienced several issues despite a recent $14 million renovation project. Large sections of the new sealant have been seen peeling from the bottom, while algae growth has also been reported.

US Park Police said five people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the site, while another five have received federal citations. A National Park Service official had previously said parts of the pool's lining had been cut with a sharp object.

President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the damage. After inspecting the site on 20 June, he said on social media that repairs would begin immediately.

He wrote: "Work will begin immediately on fixing the seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool," adding: "Who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!"

Historic landmark

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was built in the 1920s and extends 2,030ft (619m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Over the years, it has faced recurring maintenance challenges, including leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth and bird droppings.

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Gregory Rosen, a former prosecutor in Pirro’s office, raised questions about Thursday’s charges, especially given binding precedent from the court of appeals in Washington.

“Malicious destruction of property has never meant just touching things,” he said. “The court has consistently required either an actual intent to cause the harm or wanton conduct, and damage resulting from an accident or curiosity doesn’t qualify.”

https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/reflecting-pool-olympian-david-hearn-indicted-felony-vandalism-trump-pirro-20260702.html

That sealant didn’t stand a chance against Olympic-level curiosity.

Trump's USA is now legally a fascist state.

Execution of non-followers will be mandated shortly.

Off topic post removed.

Okay, so he was not in a Tippecanoe with Tyler too. One guy, far from the masses T-bone told us were damaging his pool.

Piss-In for the 4th of July. Yellow would look good.

Should this now be called 'The Deflecting Pool?'

Epstein files anybody?

Sounds bogus to me. I hope the charges are withdrawn before he has to go to court. ☹️

20 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Sounds bogus to me. I hope the charges are withdrawn before he has to go to court. ☹️

If withdraw, I hope he will sue the government for the malicious arrest without probably cause and done with bad intent.

Olympian touches defective pool paint...

MAGA: LOCK HIM UP!!!

Meet some of the violent Jan. 6 rioters Donald Trump keeps calling 'hostages'

including some who violently beat cops over the head with American flag poles

https://share.google/Nc5HqjNxCJeQXLVLp

MAGA: THAT'S DIFFERENT--WE LOVE YOU DONALD 🤎

This is a total outrage, with completely false charges. As animalmagic has pointed out, it should be called the Deflecting Pool. This poor guy is being used to try to deflect attention from the lousy--yet super-expensive--job that was done by Trump's poor choice of contractors. Madness.

57 minutes ago, animalmagic said:

Should this now be called 'The Deflecting Pool?'

Epstein files anybody?

Bingo!!+ fuel prices cost of living and a whole host of domestic problems that he’s failing on…….what a lousy incompetent he is……that’s saying it in very very mild terms…don’t want to get into trouble with our little web site!

Touching something already peeling sounds like desperation to find a scapegoat.

The question is, how much does Trump receive every time he orders the pool to be fixed.

Why aren't the trump supporters chiming in with a 'Lock him up!' chant on the White House lawn?
Could it be that they are finally realizing that their god is fu@kin insane?
Have you ever tried to get paint off cement with a box cutter? (They never call them 'paint cutters,' do they? Maybe there's a reason!)
This is little more than obvious deflection from the Epstein files, and playing the Blame Game, avoiding taking responsibility. As expected.

If anyone vandalized the pond, it was Trump in his multi ton monster trucks escorts. Fatso too lazy to get out and walk or just go around it. and no, not AIhttps://preview.redd.it/presidential-motorcade-driving-in-the-monument-v0-s25b4brqu19h1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=116bdae5ce754669ee17bb1d18bbdeaef96f8850

https://katu.com/resources/media2/16x9/2047/986/0x140/90/36fb3a10-d11a-4fd8-ab04-1a05dc4a2043-PresidentTrumpsmotorcadedrivesthroughtheReflectingPoolWhiteHouseDeputyChiefofStaffDanScavino.jpeg

2 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

If withdraw, I hope he will sue the government for the malicious arrest without probably cause and done with bad intent.

hope he gets 10 years for damaging a National monument

1 hour ago, Tug said:

Bingo!!+ fuel prices cost of living and a whole host of domestic problems that he’s failing on…….what a lousy incompetent he is……that’s saying it in very very mild terms…don’t want to get into trouble with our little web site!

have you noticed oil price are in low $60's now,, lower than "before the aggression started....

take a look at the fuel industry then bark !

4 hours ago, WDSmart said:

Sounds bogus to me. I hope the charges are withdrawn before he has to go to court. ☹️

While I am disappointed at a citizen Grand Jury handing down an indictment saying there was enough evidence too warrant a trial, I remain optimistic. If what we have read is true, I hope a citizen Trial Jury will reach a verdict of not guilty. If so, I want those bringing charges to be held personally financially responsible for financial and psychological harm done. Cost recovery and a punishing fine for carrying out malicious prosecution at the orders, real or implied from trump!

hope he gets 10 years for damaging a National monument

I see that you onboard Pirro’s crazy train. She will indict even a ham sandwich to please Trump but convicting for lifting a peeled sealant is ludicrous. Trump driving over the sealant and destroying the east wing are more likely to get convictions.

25 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

I see that you onboard Pirro’s crazy train. She will indict even a ham sandwich to please Trump but convicting for lifting a peeled sealant is ludicrous. Trump driving over the sealant and destroying the east wing are more likely to get convictions.

I hope . Sotomayor retires like real quick and Pirro gets the spot ...

The left wing liberal socialist Democrats will do anything to appease their "syndrome" inflicted upon them by President Trump even to the point of destroying America's heritage. Nothing it sacred to them.

1 hour ago, Screaming said:

The left wing liberal socialist Democrats will do anything to appease their "syndrome" inflicted upon them by President Trump even to the point of destroying America's heritage. Nothing it sacred to them.

What on earth are you talking about. There’s nothing in this article about “destroying America’s heritage.” The guy touched a piece of paint that had already peeled off. He was arrested for the simple reason that Trump needs a couple of scapegoats. Wake up, man.

2 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

I hope . Sotomayor retires like real quick and Pirro gets the spot ...

Keeping hoping. She ain’t going any where. That will spare us another “ I love beer” and in Pirro’s case “ any alcoholic” nomination moment.

Sounds like terrorism to me.

Throw the book at him.

11 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

have you noticed oil price are in low $60's now,, lower than "before the aggression started....

Another lying MAGA with a fantasy.

This guy is clearly a left wing radical, fine example of vandalizing the exceptional work done by DonT's contractors.....................he should start barking "Witch Hunt", "Fake News", "Hoax" ! All seem too work for the Don. (Sarcasm alert).

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Sounds like terrorism to me.

Throw the book at him.

You're kidding, right?

19 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

I hope . Sotomayor retires like real quick and Pirro gets the spot ...

The celebratory drinkies will be epic! Should put her out of action for a couple of weeks!

24 minutes ago, JAG said:

The celebratory drinkies will be epic! Should put her out of action for a couple of weeks!

Makes one want to revisit the expression "sober as a judge"!

59 minutes ago, JAG said:

The celebratory drinkies will be epic! Should put her out of action for a couple of weeks!

Imagine finishing law school, passing the bar exam, then finding out you’re going to have to clerk for this drunkard TV personally.