Ex-Olympian David Hearn Pleads Not Guilty in Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
David Hearn, a 67‑year‑old former Olympic canoeist, entered a not‑guilty plea at the U.S. District Court in Washington on Thursday. The court cited a felony charge of property destruction after a piece of sealant was allegedly ripped from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on 19 June, a claim that could amount to damages of about $1,000.
Hearn maintains he only touched an already delaminated section of the lining and never tore or removed any material. His attorney, Norm Eisen, warned that charging a former Olympian for touching the pool would set a dangerous precedent for the nation and argued that “it is not a crime to touch the Reflecting Pool.”
The damage was part of a larger controversy over the Trump‑era renovation that cost $13 million but has been plagued by algae growth and quick peeling of the new blue sealant. Five other individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the pool, and federal citations have been issued to others.
Key facts:
- Hearn was detained after touching the pool’s lining; he was quoted as saying the coating had already delaminated.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro charged him with a deliberate act, describing the tearing of the sealant as intentional.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the pool would be drained again and the vandalism repaired as part of a broader cleanup effort.
- Hearn’s next court appearance is scheduled for 5 August.
The case underscores the tensions between federal oversight and preservation of historic sites, raising questions about the responsibilities of public officials and private citizens alike. Whether Hearn’s plea will lead to a conviction remains to be seen, but the proceedings are likely to attract attention from both legal experts and civil‑rights advocates.
