A former Olympic canoeist has been indicted in Washington, D.C., after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The case has drawn attention because it comes after President Donald Trump’s administration treated damage to the recently renovated pool as a serious act of vandalism.
David Hearn was charged Thursday in D.C. Superior Court with one felony count of destruction of property valued at more than $1,000.
David Hearn Faces Felony Property Destruction Charge
According to the indictment, a Washington, D.C., grand jury accused Hearn of damaging the lining material of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The indictment states that Hearn “maliciously” injured, broke and destroyed property connected to the pool’s lining.
If convicted, the felony charge could carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Case Escalates After Reflecting Pool Renovation Problems
The indictment marks a major escalation in how federal officials are handling damage reported at the Reflecting Pool.
The pool had recently reopened after a multimillion-dollar renovation ordered by President Trump. However, soon after reopening, the site faced problems involving algae growth and peeling paint or sealant along the bottom layer.
Trump’s administration has framed the issue as serious vandalism, rather than simply a maintenance or renovation problem.
Jeanine Pirro’s Office Singles Out Hearn
The office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro has so far focused on Hearn in connection with the alleged damage.
Pirro said during a news conference that Hearn “violently” ripped up about two square feet of the large reflecting pool. She also claimed he was rude and confrontational toward federal officers guarding the site.
The charge came after Trump publicly called for maximum penalties against people he described as vandals.
Pirro Denies Political Motivation
When asked whether Hearn was being charged with a felony because of Trump’s demands, Pirro said the decision was based on evidence.
She said the case involved strong evidence and that prosecutors were following where that evidence led.
Pirro declined to provide additional details beyond saying that witnesses at the scene, whom she described as having no agenda, saw damage to a national monument.
Hearn’s Attorney Calls Charges Outrageous
Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, strongly criticized the indictment.
He said Hearn is innocent and called the charges alarming. Eisen argued that the case reflects an effort by the administration to shift blame for its own failures.
He also said Americans should be concerned about the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen, especially just before Independence Day.
Hearn Says He Was Only Curious
Hearn previously told CNN that he was arrested after touching a flap of blue material that had partly separated from the bottom of the pool.
He said a National Park Service worker warned him not to reach into the water before he was handcuffed by Park Police.
Hearn denied vandalizing the Reflecting Pool and said he was simply curious about the detached material.
Trump Warned of Harsh Penalties
Late last month, President Trump warned that people he accused of vandalizing the pool could face long prison sentences.
The warning came as federal officials continued investigating issues at the site, which had been renovated ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
More Cases Under Investigation
Pirro said Thursday that her office is reviewing about half a dozen other cases connected to the Reflecting Pool.
She said some may result in misdemeanor charges, while others could lead to lesser violations.
Questions Remain Over Damage Claims
The Reflecting Pool renovation was intended to be completed before Independence Day festivities. But after reopening, the pool quickly developed visible problems, including algae and peeling surface material.
Trump also claimed that someone had carved a long gash into the pool using a sharp object. However, the federal government has not publicly provided proof of that claim.
Trump’s own estimates of the length of the alleged damage have also varied significantly.