Former Olympian denies damaging Lincoln Memorial pool liner
David Hearn pleaded not guilty after prosecutors accused him of damaging the renovated reflecting pool, a charge his lawyers call political blame-shifting.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a federal charge tied to alleged damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The case has drawn attention because the pool’s recent renovation, ordered by President Donald Trump, has faced visible problems since it reopened.
Federal prosecutors say Hearn, 67, damaged the pool’s new “American flag blue” liner on June 19. According to prosecutors, the alleged damage exceeded $1,000, and Hearn has been charged with destruction of government property, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Hearn, a three-time Olympic canoe racer, denies damaging the liner. He told The Associated Press that he stopped at the pool during a bike ride, reached into the water and touched a section of lining that was already coming loose, then let go when a park employee told him to stop.
Defense says case deflects from renovation problems
Hearn’s lawyers said the prosecution is an effort by the Trump administration to redirect blame for the troubled project. In a statement, they said the indictment reflected an attempt “to shift blame for their own failures” and said courts should determine facts rather than provide “political cover.”
The reflecting pool, which runs 620 metres, or 2,030 feet, reopened in June after Trump ordered a new liner installed across the bottom. According to Al Jazeera, Reuters and The Associated Press, Trump said he pushed ahead with the $14.7 million renovation after a friend visiting from Germany described the pool as dark and disgusting.
Problems appeared within days of the reopening. Algae spread across the water, the pool turned a bright green shade and parts of the liner began peeling.
Experts cited by Al Jazeera said the darker coating on the bottom of the shallow pool could raise water temperatures and encourage algae growth. They also said algae blooms are common during this season, especially in shallow, still water.
Trump blamed vandals
Trump has blamed the pool’s condition on vandalism. On Truth Social, he claimed without evidence that “corrosive and destructive chemicals” had been poured into the water and that vandals used “some form of knife or blade” to cut a long gash in the liner.
No one has been charged over those specific allegations, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters and The Associated Press. Trump also warned that people who damaged or attempted to damage the pool could face a 10-year prison sentence, saying that penalty would be enforced.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Hearn’s indictment last week, accusing him of intentionally damaging the liner. The U.S. Department of the Interior has said at least six people were arrested on suspicion of vandalizing the pool in the weeks after it reopened.
National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police were sent to protect the site, and the area was fenced off during July 4 events marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Thursday’s hearing drew a full courtroom, and dozens of Hearn’s supporters waited outside after he entered his plea. The pool’s repair issues remain unresolved, with Trump acknowledging it will need to be drained again so the damaged liner can be fixed.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.