Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to a charge of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C. Hearn, 67, from Maryland, was arrested last month after stopping at the pool during a bike ride. He told several media outlets that he was detained for nearly five hours after reaching into the water to inspect what he described as a piece of the blue liner that was partially detached from the bottom.
Hearn's Account and Legal Response
“I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything,” Hearn told the Washington Post after his arrest. He said he was curious about the material's texture. His lawyers have argued that the charges are based on a “concocted narrative” and “should be alarming to every American.”
Hearn was indicted last week on a single felony count of property destruction. During his arraignment on Thursday, he entered a not-guilty plea and was released on his own recognizance. A status hearing is scheduled for August 5.
Background of the Renovation Project
The arrest occurred amid controversy over former President Donald Trump's $14.7 million renovation of the reflecting pool. Trump pitched the project as an effort to turn the water “American flag blue” ahead of the country’s 250th birthday. However, shortly after completion, an algae bloom turned the water green, prompting National Park Service crews to add hydrogen peroxide to improve water quality. Large flakes of the new blue coating were later seen peeling away from the basin and floating on the surface.
Trump subsequently blamed unidentified “vandals” for the damage. According to NBC News, Hearn is one of at least four people facing charges related to alleged tampering with the pool's coating.
Prosecution's Accusations
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, accused Hearn of “forcefully and violently pulling up and removing the bottom liner.” However, Hearn's defense team disputes this characterization, maintaining that he did not cause any damage.
