Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage Case: Former US Olympian David ‘Davey’ Hearn Sued | Today’s news

A former U.S. Olympic canoeist has been charged with felony vandalism for allegedly damaging the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, just days after the Trump-ordered restoration project was completed.

David “Davey” Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was charged Thursday with one count of destruction of property. The indictment alleges that on June 19, he “maliciously” damaged the lining material at the bottom of the pool, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage.

Authorities cite evidence

At a press conference, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro claimed that Hearn had intentionally torn up the pool’s newly installed sealant, describing it as a “deliberate act”. She said Hearn “forcefully and violently” pulled out the liner with both hands and became combative when a park employee asked him to stop.

“This is a case with overwhelming evidence,” Pirro said, adding that authorities also made about six misdemeanor arrests related to the alleged vandalism at the site.

Hearn denies wrongdoing

Hearn denied intentionally damaging the pool. He previously told The Associated Press that he reached into the Reflecting Pool only to check on some of the paint that had already begun to peel off. According to Hearn, he briefly touched a loose piece of liner and immediately let go after a park worker instructed him to stop.

After his arrest, Hearn’s lawyers dismissed the charges and accused the Trump administration of criminalizing common behavior.

Hearn, who competed for the United States in Olympic canoeing and later owned a company that makes composite materials for watercraft, said he stopped by the memorial during a 64-mile bike ride. He said he was detained by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police for about five hours before being released.

The incident came just days after workers completed a more than $14 million July 4 rehabilitation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ordered by President Donald Trump ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence. Trump described the new ship as “America’s blue flag.”

Trump for damage

Earlier this month, Trump said federal authorities had made “multiple arrests” in connection with vandalism at the Reflecting Pool as he defended the high-profile restoration project after reports that the newly installed liner had begun to peel off.