A federal grand jury has indicted former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn on charges stemming from his arrest at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where authorities allege he damaged the recently renovated landmark during a visit last month.
Hearn, 67, represented the United States in canoe slalom at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Summer Olympics. He was initially arrested June 19 on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after National Park Service officials accused him of damaging the Reflecting Pool’s new liner. A grand jury has now returned an indictment, escalating the case beyond the original criminal complaint.
Incident Followed Pool Renovation
The arrest came as the Trump administration faced mounting criticism over problems with the Reflecting Pool following a multimillion-dollar renovation completed ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The project has been plagued by algae blooms and sections of the blue liner peeling away, prompting heightened security and increased enforcement around the memorial.
According to authorities, Hearn entered the Reflecting Pool and allegedly damaged the newly installed surface.
Hearn Denies Damaging Landmark
Hearn has vigorously disputed the allegations, saying he stopped at the memorial after a long bicycle ride because he was curious about reports of problems with the renovation.
He told reporters he noticed part of the liner had already come loose and merely touched it to examine the material.
“I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn said after his arrest. “I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything.”
Hearn has maintained that the condition of the liner was unchanged when he left the Reflecting Pool.
Prosecutors Move Forward
The indictment indicates federal prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case, though it does not represent a finding of guilt.
D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro provided additional details about the charges during a news conference Thursday.
Hearn is expected to appear in court later this month, where he will have the opportunity to enter a plea.
Renovation Remains Under Scrutiny
The Reflecting Pool renovation has drawn national attention after visitors documented algae growth and sections of peeling liner only days after the project was completed.
The Trump administration has attributed some of the damage to vandalism and has increased security around the memorial, while critics have questioned the quality of the renovation work and whether construction defects contributed to the problems.
The criminal case is expected to proceed as federal investigators continue examining additional incidents involving the national landmark.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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