Justice Department drops criminal case against ex-Olympian charged with damaging Reflecting Pool
Summary
The Justice Department dropped the criminal case against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New information showed that the damage was due to poor construction and rushed work, not vandalism.Key Facts
- David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- The damage was initially blamed on Hearn causing at least $1,000 in harm, a felony with up to 10 years in prison.
- The government later found that poor installation by contractors and fast work before America 250 events caused the damage.
- Lawyers for Hearn said the case should never have been started and called for an apology.
- Hearn pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial on September 28, 2026.
- He was detained for five hours by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police after touching the pool’s coating during a bike ride.
- Hearn competed in three Summer Olympics, with his best finish being ninth place in 1996.
- The prosecution was seen by Hearn and supporters as politically motivated by the Trump administration.
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