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Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty to Reflecting ... Former olympian David Hearn stands with his attorney as reporters and protestors gathered at Moultrie Courthouse in Washington, DC, on Thursday, after Hearn's arraignment. Finn Gomez/Getty Images People in sports Olympics See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty in Washington, DC, Superior Court Thursday to damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, prompting a raucous scene at the courthouse where supporters chanted his name and accused the Trump administration of abusing the justice system. Hearn, 67, was indicted on July 2 on one count of destruction of property of more than $1,000 for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, if convicted. David Hearn supporters show up to the former Olympian's arraignment in DC Superior Court. 4:45 • Source: CNN David Hearn supporters show up to the former Olympian's arraignment in DC Superior Court. 4:45 Hearn’s indictment was a notably aggressive prosecutorial choice by DC US Attorney Jea…

Breaking: Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Washington reflecting pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism – live Hearn, 67, from Maryland, was arrested last month after stopping by the pool on a bike ride. He... Via The Guardian #Pleads #Arrested #Olympian What's your take on this?

Former Olympian is arrested for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting Pool ... BySOPHIE GABLE, US REPORTER Published:14:37 EDT, 20 June 2026|Updated:20:20 EDT, 20 June 2026 2.1k Viewcomments A three-time Olympian canoeist was arrested for allegedly vandalizing PresidentDonald Trump's shining new Reflecting Pool inWashington, DC, but the athlete has claimed he merely touched it. David Hearn, 67, was arrested by Park Police officers on Friday for a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after he said he simply touched the liner of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, TheWashington Postreported. He told the outlet that he rode past the memorial on a 52-mile bike ride when he noticed the liner was detached, and reached down to feel it. 'I didn't vandalize anything. I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs,' Hearn said. The Reflecting Pool has been a sore spot for the Trump administration, as grand plans to make the water 'American Blue' werethwarted by a persistent green algae. The news of Hearn's arrest was first shared by video footage posted by online journalist Emily Miller, whi…

Michael Kunzelman Associated Press Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved The Washington Monument, reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is seen behind fencing, Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON– A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovatedLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea through one of his attorneys during his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland,was indicted last Thursdayon a single felony count of property destruction. Recommended Videos In front of a packed courtroom, D.C. Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean did not require Hearn to be supervised by the court while he is free awaiting a trial. A status hearing was scheduled for Aug. 5. Prosecutor Kevin Reddington said the government wasn’t seeking any court supervision for Hearn, but just a “ stay-away order” without specifying in court whe…

Ex-Olympian arrested for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting Pool WASHINGTON -- Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn was among those arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool during its $14-million-plus rehabilitation project President Donald Trump launched for the nation's 250th anniversary. Trump, on Saturday, announced that federal authorities had made "multiple arrests" of people he said were vandalizing the Reflecting Pool. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, owned a company that made composite used to build watercraft. He said he stopped by the pool during his 64-mile bike ride Friday to see what was going on. Hearn told The Associated Press that he reached into the pool because he wanted to examine the peeling new coating. He said he briefly touched a chunk that was still attached to the side of the pool, then let go shortly after a park worker told him to. But, Hearn said, he was then detained by National Guard troops and Park Police for five hours before being released Friday night. "I'm a curious citizen," Hearn said in a telephone interview. "I reached down to see what it felt like. It was very rubbery." The Washington Post first reported Hearn's arrest,…

BREAKING 🚨 🚨 🚨 David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, has been indicted by a grand jury in Washington, DC, Superior Court, after being arrested last month when he reached into the Reflecting Pool, a source familiar with the charges told CNN. www.cnn.com/2026/07/02/p...

A former Olympian touched peeling paint at the Reflecting Pool — and now faces a federal charge. The renovation behind it has its own well-documented problems. Full story 👇 www.thetrendswire.com/blog/david-h... #ReflectingPool #NationalMall #DCNews #BreakingNews

Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest Davey Hearn says he was simply touching the new paint at the site out of curiosity and did not remove or alter it.

Camera Icon Lawyers for David Hearn say Reflecting Pool charges against him are part of a "concocted narrative". (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP Ex-Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool case Staff Writers AP 10 July 2026, 3:57am Copy link Share story A former US Olympic canoe racer has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC, a politically charged case that his defence lawyers have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea during his initial appearance in DC Superior Court. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted last Thursday on a single felony count of property destruction. US President Donald Trump ordered a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool ahead of the country's 250th anniversary this month but the project has been plagued with problems. Workers have used chemicals to curtail an algae bloom. Trump has said the pool likely would need to be drained again for liner repairs after chunks of blue coating were seen floating at the surface. Trump has accused vandals of dumping fertiliser into the pool and slashing…

David Hearn: US Olympian held for ‘vandalizing’ Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as video emerges, ‘I was being…’ David Hearn, a former Maryland Olympic athlete, was arrested for touching a section of the deteriorating sealant in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Former Olympian charged over alleged 'vandalism' of US Reflecting Pool Former US Olympian David 'Davey' Hearn has been accused of "maliciously" breaking or destroying lining material on the bottom of the Washington DC pool, court documents show

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool , a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea through one of his attorneys during his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted last Thursday on a single felony count of property destruction. Before the country's 250th independence celebrations, President Donald Trump launched a multi-million dollar renovation project for the Reflecting Pool, which was plagued by problems, including damage to its new coating. Trump, without providing evidence, has alleged the damage was caused by vandals. Hearn has said he reached inside the pool to examine the peeled sealant and let go of a chunk when he was told to by a park worker. He is accused of causing more than…

Three-time Olympic canoeist David Hearn denies vandalizing Lincoln ... AP National Guard members walk past a National Park Service employee using a vacuum to clean the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Friday, June 19, 2026, in Washington. A former US Olympic canoeist has been arrested in Washington, DC, after authorities accused him of damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool , an allegation he strongly denies. David Hearn , a three-time Olympian, was taken into custody Friday, June 19 near the national monument after an encounter with US Park Police. The video footage shared online showed the 67 year old appearing confused as members of the National Guard and Park Police approached him before placing him in handcuffs. According to Hearn, he had been riding his bicycle past the reflecting pool when he noticed what appeared to be a section of liner already detached and floating in the water. He said he stopped to inspect the area and briefly touched the material. “I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn told The Washington Post. “I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs,” he said. Hearn f…

Former Olympian indicted on felony charge over alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism By: Lindsay Whitehurst And Meg Kinnard, The Associated Press Posted: 2:04 PM CDT Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026 Last Modified: 3:14 PM CDT Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026 Advertisement Advertise with us Tweet Share Print Email Read Later WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian was indicted Thursday on a felony charge in what President Donald Trump has called vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where a renovation project he launched has been riddled with problems. Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. Subscribe Now or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! To continue reading, please subsc…

Former Olympian indicted on felony charge over alleged Reflecting Pool ... Former Olympian indicted on felony charge over alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism By By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and MEG KINNARD Thursday, Jul 2, 2026 1:25 PM Signage and security fencing warns of explosives along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4th events on the National Mall, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) × Signage and security fencing warns of explosives along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4th events on the National Mall, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian was indicted Thursday on a felony charge in what President Donald Trump has called vandalism of the Reflecting Pool. David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, was indicted on a single count of property destruction in Washington, D.C. court. District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Hearn ripped up recently installed sealant on pool in “a deliberate act” that caused more than $1,000 in damage. She accused him of “forcefully and violently” pulling up bottom liner “with both hands” and acting belligerent toward…

BREAKING 🚨 🚨 🚨 A former Olympic athlete from Maryland claims he was arrested for reaching into the troubled Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to touch a piece of the failing "American flag blue" sealant that's coming off its basin. www.the-independent.com/news/world/a...

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism By: Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press Posted: 8:36 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026 Last Modified: 8:48 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026 Advertisement Advertise with us Tweet Share Print Email Read Later WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. Subscribe Now or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters…

Olympian David Hearn arrested at Reflecting Pool says 'I did not … Trump said that multiple people have been arrested for vandalism at the pool. Three-time U.S. Olympian David Hearn told ABC News that police arrested him on Friday after he touched a piece of blue coating that was partially detached from the bottom of theLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn said he went on a bike ride on Friday afternoon and stopped by the Reflecting Pool as a “curious, concerned citizen”. Given his background in materials science, Hearn says he was interested to see the situation for himself after reading about reports of algae in the water and paint peeling off. “I saw a piece of this loose end of this blue coating … I reached out and touched the end of that piece that was loose but still attached to the bottom,” Hearn told ABC News. “I was able to reach out and touch the edge of that that was still attached at the bottom and handled it a little bit.” Hearn, who represented the U.S. in canoeing, said he was able to feel and bend the coating a bit. “I did not remove, I did not damage, I did not rip, tear, break, destroy or harm any part of the Reflecting Pool,” Hearn said. “The condition …

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism – Brandon Sun Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism By: Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press Posted: 8:36 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026 Last Modified: 8:48 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026 Advertisement Advertise with us Tweet Share Print Email Read Later WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. Subscribe No…

The Washington Monument, reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is seen behind fencing, Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Washington. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) By Michael Kunzelman July 9, 2026 7:19 AM PT 3 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to a felony property destruction charge tied to alleged damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The case unfolds against a troubled, $16-million renovation ordered by President Trump, with prosecutors alleging vandalism while critics call the indictment politically motivated and an abuse of prosecutorial power. Hearn says he only inspected peeling pool coating before being detained for hours, as supporters rally outside court and the judge sets an August status hearing without strict supervision. WASHINGTON — A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memoria…

David Hearn: US Olympian held for 'vandalizing' Lincoln Memorial ... A former Olympic athlete hailing fromMarylandasserts that he was apprehended for reaching into the distressed Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to touch a section of the deteriorating “American flagblue” sealant that is coming off from its basin. David Hearn, a canoeist who has competed in the Olympics three times, was cycling by the monument on Friday when he observed a section of the pool's liner adrift in the water. Hearn participated in three Summer Olympic Games as a canoeist, with his final appearance occurring at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Hearn, 67, stated to TheWashingtonPost that he made contact with the detached fragment and was promptly arrested by Park Police at the troubled monument. Speaking to The Washington Post on Saturday, Hearn, 67, asserted, “I didn’t vandalize anything. I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.” Also Read:Trump-Giorgia Meloni war: 5 things to know as G7 photo feud escalates, ‘My popularity depends on…’ According to The Post, U.S. Park Police officers have charged Hearn with misdemeanor destruction …

Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest Davey Hearn says he was simply touching the new paint at the site out of curiosity and did not remove or alter it.

Former Olympian indicted for felony vandalism at DC Reflecting Pool Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, 67, has been indicted on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up sealant at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19. The Brief Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, 67, has been indicted on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up sealant at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated there is strong witness evidence against Hearn, while Hearn claims he only picked up a loose piece of the liner that was already floating in the water. The incident follows a recent $15 million pool renovation where the new blue sealant began peeling on its own, and authorities are now investigating six other related vandalism cases. WASHINGTON - A former U.S. Olympic athlete has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a felony charge of destruction of property following an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. What we know: David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist, is accused of deliberately tearing up a section of the pool’s newly installed sealant on June 19. Accord…

Former Olympian indicted for alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism | AP News Signage and security fencing warns of explosives along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4th events on the National Mall, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) Workers lay nets in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to catch debris from the Fourth of July fireworks display, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seen, Monday, June 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) People take photos of a mother duck and her ducklings at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian was indicted Thursday on a felony charge in what President Donald Trump hascalled vandalismof the Reflecting Pool. David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, was indicted on a single count of property destruction in Washington, D.C. court. District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Hearn ripped up recently installed sealant on pool in “a deliberate act” that caused more than $1,000 in damage. She accused him of…

Olympian David Hearn indicted in Reflecting Pool destruction U.S. Olympian canoeist David Hearn was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., for destruction of property in connection with allegedly ripping up sealant in the Lincoln MemorialReflecting Pool, U.S. AttorneyJeanine Pirrosaid Thursday. Pirro said Hearn on June 19 willfully and "violently" damaged a two-square-foot piece of sealant at thepool, whose renovation has been a top priority for PresidentDonald Trumpthis year. Hearn, 67, faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted of the felony charge, which was filed in the District of Columbia. He was arrested on June 19 on a misdemeanor charge. The three-time Olympian toldThe Washington Postafter his arrest that he had been cycling when he stopped at the Reflecting Pool to look at it. While there, he said, he reached into the water to feel what a partially detached piece of blue liner felt like, after which he was arrested. "I didn't vandalize anything," Hearn told The Post. "I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs." But Pirro, speaking at a press conference, said, "T…

Former US Olympian pleads not guilty to damaging reflecting pool amid Trump’s renovation <p>David Hearn is accused of destroying ‘American flag blue’ lining material on the bottom of the reflecting pool</p><p>David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to damaging Washington’s reflecting pool after a $14.7m renovation project.</p><p>Hearn, a three-time US Olympian, was indicted last week on a single felony count of property destruction. He appeared in local superior court in Washington DC, to enter the plea after he was criminally charged over the incident in mid-June.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/09/reflecting-pool-case-us-olympian-plea">Continue reading...</a>

Former Olympian indicted by a grand jury for reaching into reflecting ... ByLAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published:14:35 EDT, 2 July 2026|Updated:15:40 EDT, 2 July 2026 276 Viewcomments Former US Olympian David Hearn was indicted by a grand jury Thursday after he was arrested in Washington,DC, at the reflecting pool for reaching into the waters. The Olympian, 67, was arrested last month following accusations that he had damaged the fresh paint job championed by PresidentDonald Trumpin the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn was indicted on a single count of property destruction. District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Hearn ripped up recently installed sealant on pool in 'a deliberate act' that caused $1,000 in damage. 'This is a case with tremendous evidence,' Pirro continued, adding that prosecutors are handling about six other cases. His attorney toldCNNThursday that they were unaware of any developments in Hearn's case past a previous citation for misdemeanor charges that Hearn had been served. Following numerous arrests, Trump threatened serious jail time for anyonevandalizing the pool following his expensive renovations. The President blast…

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Washington Reflecting Pool damage case By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 2 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A former Olympic canoeist has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a politically charged case that his lawyers other Trump critics have derided as an abuse of power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea during his initial appearance in DC Superior Court. Mr Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted last Thursday on a single felony count of property destruction. In front of a packed courtroom, DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean did not require Mr Hearn to be supervised by the court while he is free awaiting a trial. A status hearing was scheduled for August 5. Dozens of supporters, many carrying homemade signs, gathered outside the courthouse and waited for Mr Hearn to leave after the hearing. …

Olympian arrested for touching remnants of decaying Reflecting Pool ... A three-time Olympic athlete was arrested for touching thedetached paintof the renovated Reflecting Pool, according to the Washington Post. Olympian David Hearn, who competed three times in the canoe slalom, stopped by the Reflecting Pool on Friday after a bike ride to see how it looks since Trump's $14 million renovations, the Postreported. The Reflecting Pool is currently plagued with murky green algae blooms, and paint is coming off after workers dumped hydrogen peroxide in it to combat the algae. According to the Post, Hearn reached into the Reflecting Pool to feel a piece of partially detached paint from the bottom, and moments later, U.S. Park Police officers arrested him on the misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. "I didn't vandalize anything," Hearn told the Post, adding that he just wanted to feel stripping paint. "I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs." Trumphas already accused "Radical Left Lunatics" and ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl of trying to destroy the pool as reporting on the peeling p…

Former Olympian is arrested for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting ... Former Olympian is arrested for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting Pool... but he claims he merely touched it By SOPHIE GABLE, US REPORTER 19:37 20 Jun 2026, updated 21:32 20 Jun 2026 Share or comment on this article: 34 shares Comments Comments Sign up for our US Editor's Picks newsletter for the best exclusive stories READ: Inside America's new fattest town A three-time Olympian canoeist was arrested for allegedly vandalizing President Donald Trump 's shining new Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC , but the athlete has claimed he merely touched it. David Hearn, 67, was arrested by Park Police officers on Friday for a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after he said he simply touched the liner of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Post reported. ADVERTISEMENT He told the outlet that he rode past the memorial on a 52-mile bike ride when he noticed the liner was detached, and reached down to feel it. 'I didn't vandalize anything. I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs,' Hearn said. The Reflecting…

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism Workers pick up trash along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: July 9, 2026 at 9:37 AM EDT | UPDATED: July 9, 2026 at 9:41 AM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool , a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea during his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted last Thursday on a single felony count of property destruction. President Donald Trump ordered a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary this month, but the project has been plagued with problems. Workers have used chemicals to curtail an algae bloom. Trump has said the pool likely…

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case A former Olympic canoe racer has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool WASHINGTON --A former Olympic canoe racer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberately damaging the recently renovatedLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a politically charged case that his defense attorneys and other Trump administration critics have derided as an abuse of prosecutorial power. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea during his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland,was indicted last Thursdayon a single felony count of property destruction. President Donald Trump ordered a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary this month, but the project has been plagued with problems. Workers have used chemicals to curtail an algae bloom. Trump has said the pool likely would need to be drained again forliner repairsafter chunks of blue coating were seen floating at the surface. Trump hasclaimed without substantiationthat vandals dumped fertilizer into the pool and slashed the coat…

BREAKING 🚨 🚨 🚨 David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, has been indicted by a grand jury in Washington, DC, Superior Court, after being arrested last month when he reached into the Reflecting Pool, a source familiar with the charges told CNN. www.cnn.com/2026/07/02/p...