A grand jury in the District of Columbia indicted former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn on July 2 for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month. Hearn faces one felony count of destruction of property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. The case is currently before the D.C. Superior Court.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced the charge at a press conference, stating that evidence indicates Hearn willfully destroyed property at the Reflecting Pool. Pirro described the act as deliberate damage to a site that the National Park Service has worked hard to restore.
According to the federal prosecutor, Hearn admitted to reaching into the Reflecting Pool but previously denied intentionally damaging the pool's liner. Witnesses reported that Hearn was seen forcefully removing the bottom liner, damaging approximately 2 square feet of sealant. A National Park Service employee instructed Hearn to stop, to which he reportedly responded by questioning the employee's concern for the pool.
Hearn was arrested following the incident on June 19. He was riding his bike when he stopped at the landmark and touched the pool's coating, claiming it was already detached upon his arrival. Hearn is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
The indictment follows a broader context of vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, which has been a point of contention, with President Donald Trump previously attributing damage to vandals. Other individuals have also faced charges related to vandalism at the site.