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Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Olympian David Hearn faces a felony charge for allegedly vandalizing the Washington, D.C., Reflecting Pool.
  • Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of the pool's bottom sealant on June 19.
  • U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted Hearn's alleged reaction to a park employee and mentioned ongoing investigations into other vandalism cases at the pool.

Olympian David Hearn has been indicted by a D.C. grand jury on a felony charge for allegedly vandalizing the Washington, D.C., Reflecting Pool. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Thursday that Hearn, 67, is accused of ripping out a piece of the pool's bottom sealant on June 19.

National Park Service employees reportedly observed Hearn removing the liner, and he was arrested after reaching into the pool during a 64-mile bike ride. According to a publicly available court docket, Hearn faces a charge for destruction of property, with the damage estimated to be over $1,000. He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

One of the most offensive images that I hold in my mind are the images of national monuments that are being debased, roped, torn down, graffitied, and damaged by individuals. This unchecked vandalism and civil disorder turns into criminal behavior, and that's why we are here today.

โ€” Jeanine PirroU.S. Attorney, condemning vandalism at national monuments during a news conference.

Pirro condemned the act, stating, "One of the most offensive images that I hold in my mind are the images of national monuments that are being debased, roped, torn down, graffitied, and damaged by individuals." She added that "unchecked vandalism and civil disorder turns into criminal behavior." During the incident, Pirro said Hearn allegedly shouted at a park employee who told him to stop, questioning why she cared about the pool.

Pirro indicated that there are about half a dozen cases related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, with ongoing investigations to determine if more felony indictments are warranted. Some cases may result in misdemeanor charges. Her office is also investigating a large gash in the pool's liner, which Trump administration officials have attributed to vandals.

she cared too much about the reflecting pool, and why did she even care, since it wasn't her pool.

โ€” David HearnAllegedly shouted at a park employee who told him to stop vandalizing the Reflecting Pool.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.