The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has brought serious charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, accusing him of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro alleged at a press conference on Thursday that the 67-year-old Hearn deliberately vandalized the pool. "Today, a grand jury returned an indictment against David Hearn for malicious destruction of property, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison," Pirro said.
Pirro, who was appointed by Trump, described the damage to national monuments as "one of the most disturbing images I have ever seen," and said, "This unchecked vandalism and civil disobedience is turning into criminal behavior."
However, Hearn denied the charges in statements to the media. He said that when he visited the pool on June 19, he was simply curious, like many Americans. He stated that while passing by on his bicycle, he stopped to examine the peeling paint and touched the water, but did not remove any piece.
Prosecutor Pirro painted a different picture. She claimed that National Park Service employees observed Hearn "violently pulling and tearing out the pool's bottom liner with both hands," and that an area of about 2 square feet was damaged. Pirro also alleged that when a park ranger stopped Hearn, he responded by shouting.
Controversial Renovation Project
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was part of a controversial renovation project initiated by Trump in April. Trump had signed a no-bid contract to cover the pool's granite floor with a color he called "American flag blue." However, when the pool reopened in early June, algae growth had appeared and the blue paint had begun to peel.
Amid criticism of the $13.1 million renovation contract, Trump claimed the pool had been sabotaged. At least seven people, including Hearn, were detained on suspicion of damaging the pool's blue-painted floor.
Penalty Debate and Reactions
Journalists asked Pirro whether bringing a felony charge against Hearn was disproportionate. A reporter, noting that similar cases are usually treated as misdemeanors, asked whether Trump's post on Truth Social calling for the "full enforcement" of a 10-year sentence for pool damage had any influence. Pirro responded, "I haven't overcharged anything; I'm following the evidence," and argued that the damage exceeded $1,000, which required a felony charge.
Pirro dismissed comparisons to the millions of dollars in damage caused by Trump supporters during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. "Are you really talking about January 6? I'm not," she said. Hearn's trial is scheduled for July 9.
What Did Visitors Say?
The pool is currently fenced off as work continues to remove algae and repair the paint. Large nets have been stretched for the July 4 fireworks display. A police officer said the nets are meant to catch debris that could fall into the pool during the show.
Brian Williams, 31, visiting from Georgia, praised Trump's efforts to beautify the city but said algae in stagnant water is normal. "Nobody has the right to destroy anything. Don't take out your displeasure with the president on the public pool," he said.
Jon Delgado, a 40-year-old Navy veteran from Tennessee, said he was disappointed by the state of the pool. "I came to show my family the beauty of America, the spirit we fought for. Seeing it in such disrepair makes me angry," Delgado said, calling Trump's vandalism claims "truly crazy" and adding, "Look for yourself: It's covered in algae and it stinks. There's no vandalism here."
