Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has been indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., over allegations that he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during an incident last month.
A grand jury in D.C. Superior Court returned a felony indictment charging Hearn with one count of destruction of property valued at more than $1,000.
Grand Jury Indicts Former Olympic Canoeist David Hearn
According to the indictment, as first reported by CNN on Thursday, July 2, prosecutors allege that Hearn “maliciously” damaged the lining material of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
If convicted, the charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Speaking Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said investigators believe Hearn tore part of the pool’s protective lining, leaving about two square feet of sealant damaged.
Pirro said prosecutors intend to prove that Hearn deliberately damaged federal property and described the government’s evidence as strong. She also said witnesses reported seeing him forcefully pulling at the pool’s liner.
“The evidence shows, and we will prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that Hearn willfully destroyed property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” Pirro said.
She added that several witnesses saw Hearn allegedly vandalize the pool.
“This is a case with tremendous evidence. It is a case where the evidence dictates where we land next.”
How the Reflecting Pool Arrest Escalated
Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympic canoe slalom competitor, has consistently denied vandalizing the landmark.
He previously told CNN he noticed a loose section of blue material in the Reflecting Pool and, out of curiosity, reached down to touch it after seeing it partially detached.
According to Hearn, a National Park Service employee warned him not to touch the material before U.S. Park Police placed him in handcuffs.
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The Reflecting Pool had reopened only weeks earlier following a multimillion-dollar renovation promoted by President Donald Trump.
Soon after reopening, officials reported maintenance issues, including algae growth and problems involving peeling paint or sealant.
Hearn Denies Damaging the Historic Landmark
Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, sharply criticized the indictment, maintaining that his client committed no crime.
Eisen argued that Hearn is innocent and accused the administration of attempting to shift attention away from problems surrounding the Reflecting Pool renovation.
The attorney said the case should concern Americans because it represents what he described as an improper use of government authority against an ordinary citizen.
“On the eve of our nation’s Independence Day, Americans should be deeply concerned by the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen based on a concocted narrative,” Eisen is quoted by CNN.
The grand jury indictment marks a new stage in the case, replacing the earlier misdemeanor allegations with a felony prosecution.
Authorities have not indicated when Hearn will make his next court appearance.
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Pirro also disclosed that prosecutors are reviewing roughly six additional cases connected to alleged damage at the Reflecting Pool. She said some could result in misdemeanor charges, while others may involve lesser violations.
Trump’s Crackdown on Reflecting Pool Vandalism
President Trump previously warned that anyone responsible for damaging the newly renovated Reflecting Pool could face lengthy prison sentences.
He has also claimed someone carved a large gash into the landmark with a sharp object. Federal authorities, however, have not publicly released evidence supporting those claims.
The Reflecting Pool renovation was completed ahead of Independence Day celebrations but quickly drew attention after reports of algae buildup and sections of the new liner or sealant peeling shortly after the site reopened to visitors.
