A former Olympic athlete faces charges for allegedly causing damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, in an incident labeled as vandalism by former President Donald Trump.
David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoe racer, has been indicted on a felony charge of property destruction in Washington, DC. Prosecutors claim that Hearn intentionally tore up newly applied sealant at the pool, causing over $1,000 worth of damage. Authorities stated that Hearn refused to stop when confronted after pulling up the pool’s bottom liner.
During a press conference on July 2, District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro described Hearn’s actions as forceful and violent, alleging that he aggressively tore up the liner with both hands and then became confrontational with a National Park Service employee.
Hearn, who denied damaging the landmark, explained to the Associated Press that he only touched a loose section of the coating that was peeling off on June 19. He stated that he let go when instructed by a park worker. Hearn mentioned that he had stopped at the memorial during a 64-mile bike ride before being detained by National Guard troops and US Park Police for five hours.
Despite his denial of intentional damage, Hearn was arrested following claims by President Trump of multiple arrests related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. Trump alleged that a significant gash had been made in the new sealant, although no evidence supporting this claim has been publicly released.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a historic monument built in 1922, spans over 2,000 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It is renowned for its role as the backdrop for Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.