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Ex-Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool case
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to felony property destruction charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s recently renovated surface, a case his defense calls politically motivated.
- Hearn, who was detained for five hours after inspecting peeled sealant during a bike ride, denies intentionally causing damage and says he complied with park workers’ instructions.
- The pool renovation, funded by a $16 million project initiated under President Trump, has faced multiple issues including algae blooms and damage to the new coating, with Trump alleging vandalism without evidence.
- Prosecutors claim Hearn caused over $1,000 in damage and behaved belligerently, while his attorneys argue the charges are based on a weak and politically charged narrative.
- The court released Hearn without supervision pending trial, scheduling a status hearing for August 5, as supporters gathered outside the courthouse in solidarity.
