US drops vandalism charge against former Olympian

The U.S. Justice Department has dropped felony vandalism charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who had been accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The decision came after new evidence suggested the damage was the result of a botched renovation, not Hearn's actions.

“

undermine the evidentiary basis for the indictment

Federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro stated in a court filing that new revelations "undermine the evidentiary basis for the indictment." The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case, explaining that documents indicated the damage to the landmark was caused by a "botched installation" and not vandalism, as initially claimed by the Interior Department.

“

was the result of a botched installation and not vandalism as initially represented

President Donald Trump had personally overseen the Reflecting Pool's renovation, including the installation of a new liner. This project was part of broader beautification efforts around Washington D.C. ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The renovation, estimated to cost at least $14 million, faced immediate problems, including peeling coating and algae growth, which Trump had attributed to vandals.

“

I didn't vandalise anything. I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realised what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.

Hearn, a three-time Olympic canoeing competitor, had been charged with felony vandalism, carrying a potential ten-year prison sentence. He explained that he visited the pool after a bike ride, noticed a detached liner piece, and touched it. He was arrested by U.S. Park Police shortly after. His legal team argued the case was politically motivated and called for an apology from the government.

“

should never have been brought. Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government's approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr Hearn an apology.