Ex-US Olympian faces 10 years for alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism

David Hearn, a three-time US Olympic canoeist, has been charged with felony destruction of property for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. The former Olympian faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges, which were announced on Thursday.

“

These charges are outrageous and should be alarming to every American.

Hearn's legal team, including Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, vehemently denies the allegations, calling the indictment "outrageous" and proof of a "politicized justice system" under President Donald Trump. They argue that the charges represent a "misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen based on a concocted narrative."

The incident occurred on June 19, when National Park Service employees reportedly observed Hearn "forcefully and violently pulling up and removing" approximately two square feet of sealant from the bottom of the newly renovated pool, causing over $1,000 in damage. This occurred amidst ongoing issues with the pool's costly $14 million renovation, which has been marred by rapid algae growth and peeling paint shortly after completion.

“

Today, a grand jury has returned a felony indictment against a defendant, David Hearn, for felony destruction of property, for which he faces 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, stated that Hearn is one of several individuals accused of tampering with the pool. She vowed to hold accountable anyone damaging national monuments and indicated her office is reviewing other related cases. Pirro's strong stance is seen by some as potentially deepening concerns about the neutrality of the Justice Department under Trump, who has previously suggested jail time for those damaging his signature projects.

“

On the eve of our nation's Independence Day, Americans should be deeply concerned by the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen based on a concocted narrative.

Hearn himself has told U.S. media that he was merely touching a piece of detached paint liner when he was arrested by U.S. Park Police. He maintains he did not vandalize anything, stating, "I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs."

“

I didn’t vandalise anything. I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realised what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.