Former US Olympian pleads not guilty in DC reflecting pool vandalism case
Summary
David “Davey” Hearn, a former US Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to charges of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. He is accused of damaging the pool’s new liner, installed under President Donald Trump’s orders for Independence Day celebrations, while his lawyers say the case aims to divert blame from renovation problems.Key Facts
- David Hearn, 67, is charged with damaging the reflecting pool’s liner on June 19, causing over $1,000 in damage.
- The reflecting pool was recently renovated with a new blue liner ordered by President Trump.
- Hearn admitted touching part of the liner that was already peeling but denied removing or damaging it.
- The damage charge can lead to up to 10 years in prison.
- The renovation cost $14.7 million and was done before the US 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.
- After reopening, the pool developed algae and peeling liner issues, which experts linked to the new dark liner and natural algae growth.
- President Trump claimed vandals damaged the pool with chemicals and knives, but no charges have been made for those allegations.
- At least six people were arrested on suspicion of vandalism, and extra security including National Guard troops was used to protect the pool.
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