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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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026