WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have filed a felony property destruction charge against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, marking the first felony case tied to a series of incidents at the recently renovated landmark.
A grand jury in Washington returned an indictment charging Hearn, 67, with one count of destruction of property involving damage exceeding $1,000, according to court records and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Prosecutors allege Hearn intentionally damaged the pool's newly installed liner during a June 19 incident. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison under District of Columbia law.
At a news conference announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said National Park Service employees witnessed Hearn pulling up sections of the recently installed sealant with both hands, describing the alleged conduct as a deliberate act that caused more than $1,000 in damage. Pirro said prosecutors intend to present witness testimony and other evidence supporting the charge.
Hearn has denied intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool. He previously acknowledged touching a loose portion of the liner while stopping at the memorial during a bicycle ride, but said he released it after a park employee instructed him to stop. He has maintained that he was examining material that already appeared detached and did not believe he caused any damage.
His attorneys, Norm Eisen of Democracy Defenders Fund and Mary Dohrmann of Washington Litigation Group, said in a statement that the prosecution is politically motivated and characterized the indictment as an improper use of government authority. They said Hearn intends to contest the allegations in court.
The case comes after President Donald Trump publicly attributed problems with the multimillion-dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool to vandalism. The rehabilitation project, undertaken ahead of Independence Day events marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, has experienced peeling sealant and algae growth. Trump has also alleged additional acts of vandalism, although he has not publicly released evidence supporting those broader claims.
Federal officials have increased security around the National Mall and said several misdemeanor arrests have also been made in connection with alleged damage at the site. Hearn is the first individual to face a felony indictment arising from the investigation.
Court records show the felony charge remains pending, and no trial date had been publicly announced as of Friday.
