Former Olympian arrested for alleged damage to Reflecting Pool: 'Who would do such a thing?'

A former U.S. Olympian has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C., a national monument undergoing recent renovations. David Hearn, 67, was apprehended near the pool's edge after he reportedly reached into the water during a long bike ride.

Hearn denies any wrongdoing, telling the BBC that he removed his cycling glove to touch a long, rubbery strip he believed had detached from the pool's bottom. He now faces a misdemeanor charge for property damage.

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Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes related to the destruction of national monuments.

The incident occurred amidst a $13 million renovation project for the Reflecting Pool, which stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Despite recent sealing and painting, media reports indicate the paint is already beginning to flake off.

President Donald Trump condemned the act as a "very serious crime" related to the "destruction of national monuments." He stated that repair work would commence immediately. The Reflecting Pool has a history of issues, including long-standing leaks, deteriorating structures, plumbing problems, and persistent algae and bird droppings.

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I took off my cycling glove to touch a long rubbery strip that seemed to have 'detached from' the bottom of the pool, when I was stopped by the police and National Guardsmen.