Former US Olympic athlete indicted for damaging Trump-renovated Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a former American Olympic canoeist, faces charges for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The indictment comes after Hearn was briefly detained in June near the iconic landmark, which underwent renovations during Donald Trump's presidency.

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A grand jury has today returned an indictment against David Hearn for criminal destruction, for which he faces ten years in prison.

The Reflecting Pool has been plagued by problems since its renovation, including algae infestations and peeling paint, issues that Donald Trump attributed to "vandalism." Trump had previously warned those responsible of prison sentences. Hearn, who represented the U.S. in canoeing at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, is now charged with destruction of public property, a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Hearn maintains his innocence, with his lawyers calling the accusations "scandalous." He claims that on June 19, he merely touched a piece of the pool's lining that was already peeling and detached. He stated that he did not remove anything. He was subsequently detained by National Guard members and park police.

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He is innocent. These accusations are scandalous and should worry every American.

Federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment, stating that a grand jury charged Hearn with criminal destruction. Hearn's legal team argues that the charges are an attempt by the administration to deflect blame for its own failures regarding the pool's maintenance. Several other individuals arrested in connection with the pool's issues may face lesser charges or fines.

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I reached out and was able to grab the end of this piece that was hanging, this piece that was already peeling. It was still attached to the bottom. I didn't remove anything.