Former US Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty to vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Jul 9, 2026

Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, 67, pleaded not guilty on July 9, 2026, to felony property destruction for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors accuse Hearn of ripping up sealant, causing over $1,000 in damage. Hearn and his attorney, Norm Eisen, deny the charges, calling Hearn a political scapegoat for the Trump administration's troubled $14 million pool renovation, which has suffered from peeling liners and green algae.

Hearn not guilty plea

▪David Hearn entered his plea through his attorney Mary Dohrmann during an appearance in D.C. Superior Court before Judge Carmen McLean.
▪Judge Carmen McLean released David Hearn on his own recognizance without conditions and scheduled a status hearing for August 5, 2026.
▪Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty on July 9, 2026, to a felony charge of destruction of property involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Felony destruction charge

▪Federal prosecutors alleged that David Hearn forcefully and maliciously ripped up a 2-square-foot piece of sealant from the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, 2026.
▪David Hearn denied damaging the pool, stating he only touched a piece of blue liner that was already partially detached and delaminated during a bicycle ride.
▪U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced a grand jury indictment charging David Hearn with felony destruction of property for allegedly causing more than $1,000 in damage.

Reflecting Pool renovation controversy

▪The Reflecting Pool renovation faced criticism due to peeling blue lining, algae blooms that turned the water green, and the award of a no-bid contract to a Trump donor.
▪Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that crews began draining the Reflecting Pool on July 5, 2026, to clean up July 4 fireworks debris and repair the lining.
▪The Trump administration oversaw a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which cost between $13 million and $16 million.

Political scapegoating claims

▪Dozens of supporters gathered outside the D.C. Superior Court carrying signs and chanting in support of David Hearn during his arraignment.
▪Defense attorney Norm Eisen accused the Trump administration of using David Hearn as a political scapegoat to distract from its own failed renovation of the Reflecting Pool.

Trump administration vandalism allegations

▪President Donald Trump and government officials claimed, without providing evidence, that vandals intentionally sabotaged the Reflecting Pool by cutting a multi-hundred-foot gash in the lining.
▪At least six people have been arrested and five others issued federal citations for suspected vandalism of the Reflecting Pool, according to authorities.
▪A National Park Service court filing by Frank Lands stated that caulk over the foam sealant in the pool had been cut with a sharp knife or razor around June 9, 2026.