Former Olympian Indicted for Damaging Reflecting Pool
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was indicted for destroying property after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted.
David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist, was indicted Thursday for destroying property. According to a bench warrant, Hearn allegedly reached into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. and damaged it.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that the indictment is about accountability for damaging a national resource. Pirro said a grand jury returned a felony indictment against Hearn for felony destruction of property. Hearn's attorneys claim he is innocent and that the charges are outrageous.
The National Park Service employees observed Hearn pulling up and removing the bottom liner of the pool, damaging approximately two square feet of sealant. Hearn had previously denied damaging the pool and claimed he was not read his Miranda rights.
Pirro's office is also investigating about a half dozen other cases of alleged vandalism to the Reflecting Pool. Some of these cases may be misdemeanors or violations, and they will be reviewed based on the evidence.
Go Deeper
What is David Hearn accused of?
David Hearn is accused of destroying property by damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He allegedly pulled up and removed the bottom liner of the pool, damaging approximately two square feet of sealant.
What are the potential consequences for David Hearn?
If convicted, David Hearn faces 10 years in prison for felony destruction of property.
What does the U.S. Attorney say about the indictment?
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro states that the indictment is about accountability for damaging a national resource, and that the evidence shows Hearn forcefully and violently pulled up and removed the bottom liner of the pool.
What is David Hearn's response to the charges?
David Hearn's attorneys claim he is innocent and that the charges are outrageous, and that the indictment reflects the Administration's effort to shift blame for their own failures.
Are there other cases of vandalism being investigated?
Yes, Pirro's office is investigating about a half dozen other cases of alleged vandalism to the Reflecting Pool, which may be misdemeanors or violations.
More politics
politicsTrump Says Ukraine War End May Be Near
President Donald Trump stated that he believes an end to the Ukraine war is getting close. He made these comments while speaking to the press at the W
Jul 6
politicsSikorsky to Cover $6M Cost of New White House Helipad
President Trump announced that Sikorsky Aircraft will pay for the new White House helipad. The helipad is needed due to the powerful new Sikorsky heli
Jul 6
politicsPreliminary Hearing to Begin for Man Accused of Killing Charlie Kirk
A preliminary hearing is set to start in Utah for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors will present evidence to convince the j
Jul 6