Former US Olympic canoeist David "Davey" Hearn has pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism charges over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, during a court appearance in Washington DC.
The indictment claims Hearn caused $1,000 in damage by touching the newly sealed bottom of the pool. Prosecutors say he deliberately ripped a sealant film, a “deliberate act” which they believe warrants a felony charge, while Hearn maintains he merely touched a piece of material that had already begun to delaminate.
Hearn’s defense team, led by attorney Norm Eisen, argues that simply touching the pool is not a crime and highlighted that the pool had been plagued by algae and peel‑off sealant in just days after the refurbishment. Eisen remarked that if Hearn can be criminally charged, “every American is at risk.”
The Reflecting Pool, which underwent a costly $13m resealing and painting project this spring, has faced criticism for recurring structural issues and poor maintenance. Five additional individuals have also been arrested or cited under similar vandalism accusations, according to the US Park Police.
Hearn, 67, is scheduled to appear again on 5 Aug. He has previously confronted reporters, insisting that he did not remove or damage any paint. The case is now being scrutinized as part of broader discussions on the Trump administration’s handling of the monument’s restoration.
