Lawyers in Reflecting Pool case say Justice Department knew case was flawed
Summary
The Justice Department dropped charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New evidence showed the damage was caused by poor construction and a rushed repair project linked to events for the America 250 celebration ordered by President Donald Trump, not by Hearn.Key Facts
- David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was charged with intentionally damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- The Justice Department moved to dismiss the indictment after receiving new evidence from the Interior Department.
- The evidence showed the damage was due to a faulty pool lining installation by a contractor and rushed work before July 4 America 250 events.
- The contractor involved, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, had a $14.7 million contract for repainting and waterproofing the pool.
- Hearn’s lawyers argued the pool’s poor condition was visible and well known before the indictment.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said prosecutors only recently learned about the contractor’s mistakes.
- President Trump criticized Pirro for dropping the charges, saying she failed to pursue the case.
- The case’s dismissal was seen as a setback for the Justice Department under President Trump’s administration.
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