Witness says Lincoln Memorial pool was damaged before alleged vandalism

Key Points:

• A witness testified that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool liner was already damaged before David “Davey” Hearn allegedly touched it, with repairs needed regardless of his actions.
• Hearn’s lawyers requested access to all grand jury testimony and legal instructions given to grand jurors, citing irregularities and a potentially misleading presentation of evidence in the indictment process.
• Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction that could carry up to 10 years in prison and a $1,000 fine, with trial set for 28 September.
• The defense highlighted that the pool was leaking over a million gallons weekly, had a rip in the liner, and required repairs costing $6,000 to $15,000 based on preexisting damage, with no evidence linking Hearn to additional damage.
• The reflecting pool’s condition and renovation became a political issue after a $16 million fix under Donald Trump failed, leading to accusations of vandalism; Trump recently claimed a “sick” person cut the liner and said the pool was undergoing further treatment.