A three-time US Olympian and canoeist, David Hearn, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington DC after President Donald Trump alleged vandals damaged the newly renovated reflecting pool. The 67-year-old is charged with maliciously destroying lining material at the National Mall pool on June 19.
Prosecutors claim Hearn forcefully pulled up and removed the bottom liner, causing extensive damage. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the Olympian was 'belligerent' and 'disrespectful' when confronted by park employees. 'Today is about accountability for damaging a national treasure,' she told reporters.
Hearn's lawyers, Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, vehemently deny the allegations, calling the charges 'outrageous' and a misuse of government power. They argue Hearn simply touched a peeling piece of liner while visiting the Lincoln Memorial after a long bike ride and was unfairly arrested.
The incident follows a $14.7m renovation ordered by Trump to turn the pool 'American flag blue' for Independence Day, though an algae bloom soon turned the water green. Trump later claimed a 300ft gash was cut in the sealant, but no evidence has been released.
Hearn was initially arrested on a misdemeanor charge but now faces a felony. He maintains his innocence, stating, 'I didn't vandalize anything.' The case has drawn attention to the awarding of a no-bid contract for the renovation to a company that previously worked on Trump's golf club pools.
