Former Olympian Challenges Vandalism Charge Related to Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoe racer, faces a misdemeanor charge for alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Despite the charge, Hearn insists he committed no crime. On Friday, National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police detained him for five hours. According to Hearn, he only examined peeling paint on the pool during a $14 million renovation.

“I did nothing wrong,” Hearn stated in an interview with Newsweek. Concerned about potential repercussions, Hearn noted that President Donald Trump disclosed the arrests of six people and citations for seven others linked to damage to the Reflecting Pool. Hearn believes his arrest was publicized more than the others.

Newsweek contacted several law enforcement and government agencies for comments on Hearn’s situation. Hearn perceives his detention as unfair targeting by Trump’s administration. He mentions unproven accusations that vandals destroyed the pool liner and damaged the pool with fertilizers. “I feel like I was targeted and I’m feeling singled out—definitely,” he expressed.

Hearn worries about a possible conviction and jail sentence, citing the current government’s disregard for the rule of law and civil rights. He referred further questions to his lawyer, Norm Eisen.

Eisen confirmed that Hearn plans to contest the charge in D.C. Superior Court on July 9. If convicted, the penalty may include a fine up to $100,000 or one year in jail, if property damage is under $100. Eisen criticized the criminalization of ordinary actions, suggesting that it distracts from alleged mismanagement and corrupt contracting in the renovation project.

President Trump earlier announced that authorities arrested six individuals and cited six others for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, exacerbated by an algae bloom during the renovation. Trump said, “The 350-foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350-foot length.” He added details of damaged grass and unexplained markings, noting plans to drain the pool for repairs around the Fourth of July.

Hearn acknowledged reaching into the pool to touch a flapping liner piece but insists he did not vandalize it. He told The Washington Post, “I didn’t vandalize anything. I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.”