US Olympian accused of vandalising Reflecting Pool pleads not guilty

Former US Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony charges related to the alleged vandalism of Washington's Reflecting Pool. Hearn, 67, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of causing more than $1,000 in damage to the pool, a prominent feature of the Lincoln Memorial.

The indictment alleges that National Park Service employees witnessed Hearn "forcefully and violently pulling up and removing" approximately two square feet of paint liner from the pool's base on June 19. Hearn, however, told US media that he noticed a piece of detached paint liner and reached into the water to feel it before being arrested by US Park Police.

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If Mr. Hearn can be charged with a felony for touching the Reflecting Pool, every American is at risk.

Supporters gathered outside the District of Columbia Superior Court, holding placards and chanting Hearn's name. They voiced concerns about a potentially politicized justice system under President Donald Trump, with slogans like "Scapegoat!" and "Trump blames everyone but himself." One of Hearn's attorneys, Norm Eisen, argued that charging Hearn with a felony puts "every American at risk" and suggested the indictment was an attempt to "scapegoat Davey and to shift blame for their own failures."

The Reflecting Pool has been a subject of attention due to its recent $14 million renovation, which has been marred by issues such as algae regrowth and peeling paint. The US attorney for the capital, Jeanine Pirro, has vowed to prosecute individuals damaging national monuments. Her office is also reviewing several other cases related to the pool, which are expected to be misdemeanors or violations.

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This indictment reflects the administration's effort to scapegoat Davey and to shift blame for their own failures.