US drops Reflecting Pool case, admits damage due to botched renovation
Summary
The US Justice Department dropped a criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New evidence showed the damage was caused by a poorly done renovation ordered by President Donald Trump, not vandalism by Hearn.Key Facts
- David Hearn was charged with felony vandalism for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool.
- The Justice Department dismissed the case after discovering the damage resulted from a botched renovation, not vandalism.
- President Trump personally oversaw the hurried renovation before the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
- The project cost about $14 million and included installing a new "American flag blue" liner.
- Problems like peeling coating and algae appeared soon after the renovation was completed.
- Hearn was arrested after touching a partially detached liner during a visit but denied causing damage.
- Trump warned of a 10-year prison sentence for damaging his renovation projects, but no evidence linked Hearn to vandalism.
- Lawyers for Hearn accused the administration of misusing government power in bringing the charges.
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