Former Olympic rower charged with vandalism at Lincoln Memorial pool

A former Olympic rower, David Hearn, faces charges of vandalism for allegedly damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. The accusation stems from an incident on June 19, where Hearn is accused of intentionally and maliciously damaging the pool's pavement.

Hearn, however, denies the allegations. He stated that he was cycling around the pool when he noticed the pavement appeared to be peeling. He claims he reached into the water to examine it but did not damage or remove anything. "As soon as I realized what was going on, I was being handcuffed," Hearn told The Washington Post.

The incident occurred just days after a $16.4 million renovation project, ordered by then-President Donald Trump, was completed. The project aimed to refurbish the pool ahead of the United States' 250th-anniversary celebration on July 4. Hearn's legal team has accused the Trump administration of criminalizing ordinary behavior.

Prosecutors in Washington D.C. are expected to provide further details. Hearn has been released on bail while the investigation continues.

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I didn't destroy anything or take anything off. As soon as I realized what was going on, I was being handcuffed.