Todd Blanche Supports Jeanine Pirro Following Dismissal of Lincoln Memorial Vandalism Case

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed support for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after her office decided to dismiss the vandalism case related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. On July 31, federal prosecutors moved to drop charges against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the $14 million renovation project. Evidence suggested that the damage might have resulted from a flawed renovation rather than vandalism. Blanche stated that both he and President Donald Trump support Pirro, while acknowledging that the president's frustration regarding the case dismissal was understandable due to the potential for vandalism. He emphasized that witness accounts alone are insufficient for a conviction, despite a witness claiming to have seen Hearn vandalizing the pool. Hearn has maintained his innocence. Blanche praised Pirro's efforts in prosecuting vandalism cases involving memorials and mentioned a separate case involving a veterans memorial where a suspect was charged with property destruction. He also indicated that he would consider the White House's request for the Justice Department to explore new misdemeanor charges against Hearn following the dismissal of the original case. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.