Trump’s Reflecting Pool saga heads to court as Olympian fights back

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Hearn, a two-time whitewater racing world champion and Olympic athlete, pleaded not guilty to a felony count of destruction of property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of causing $1,000 in damage to the recently renovated pool, following a grand jury indictment last week.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro alleges Hearn “woefully destroyed property” and “forcefully and violently” pulled the pool’s lining, describing his behavior as belligerent.
Hearn, who was released on his own recognizance with a next hearing set for August 5, has repeatedly denied vandalizing the monument, stating the damage was already present when he visited.
His counsel argues the charges are an “outrageous” misuse of government power, reflecting the administration’s effort to shift blame for the Lincoln Memorial project’s cost overruns and issues.