Former U.S. Olympian indicted over alleged vandalism of Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a former U.S. Olympic canoe racer, has been indicted on a felony charge of property destruction in connection with an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The indictment comes after President Donald Trump publicly decried the act as vandalism.

Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, stated that he reached into the pool to examine its newly peeled coating during a 64-mile bike ride. He admitted to briefly touching a detached piece of the coating after being told to by a park worker.

According to the report, Hearn was detained by National Guard troops and Park Police for five hours before his release. The incident occurred ahead of July 4th events, with signage and fencing warning of explosives near the pool.

President Trump has referred to the incident as "vandalism" and noted the extensive $14 million rehabilitation project for the Reflecting Pool, which was part of the nation's 250th-anniversary preparations. He mentioned that federal authorities made "multiple arrests" in connection with the alleged vandalism.

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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.