Justice Department Drops Case Against Former Olympian for Lincoln Memorial Pool Damage

The Justice Department has decided to dismiss a criminal case against a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Recently received evidence contradicted earlier claims of vandalism.

In a detailed 20-page court filing, government lawyers highlighted new documents from the Interior Department. These documents indicated that the pool’s damage resulted from a faulty contractor installation. The rush to complete the project before the America 250 events during Independence Day 2026 also contributed.

An inspection found damage throughout the pool, even in areas unlikely for a vandal attack. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, in the filing, requested the case’s dismissal due to the new evidence making it hard to prove the damage was vandalism.

David Hearn, the former Olympian, expressed relief. His lawyers argued the case was a misuse of government authority. They criticized the government’s approach and demanded an apology.

The case’s dismissal is a setback for the Justice Department, which aimed to hold someone accountable for the damage. President Donald Trump’s administration had started a large renovation project at the site. Trump claimed the damage was vandalism, though without evidence.

Hearn consistently claimed his innocence. His supporters viewed the prosecution as a political maneuver by Trump’s administration. During their defense, Hearn’s lawyers pointed out irregularities in the grand jury process. They noted that a National Park Service official testified that the pool had preexisting damage before Hearn’s alleged actions.

The pool’s issues included a major water leak, deteriorated expansion joints, and an already present rip in the liner. Hearn, who pleaded not guilty, faced a trial beginning September 28 in D.C. Superior Court. He was accused of causing over $1,000 in damage, a felony carrying a potential 10-year prison term.

Prosecutors stated they learned only recently about how a flawed installation, not Hearn, likely caused the damage. Their initial case relied on earlier information suggesting vandalism.

Hearn recounted his experience to The Associated Press. Detained for five hours, he stopped by the pool during a bike ride and examined a piece of the newly peeled coating. He said he let go when instructed by park personnel.

Hearn, from Bethesda, Maryland, participated in three Summer Olympics. His top performance was in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, ranking ninth.