US seeks to drop charges against ex-Olympian David Hearn; attributes Lincoln Memorial damage to construction flaws

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated proceedings to dismiss a criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool. Government lawyers stated in a court filing that newly discovered information suggests the damage resulted from a "defective installation by the contractor" and the "rush to complete the project" before upcoming national celebrations.

"Given all this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the reflecting pool to vandalism, let alone establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt," wrote federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro. Hearn's attorneys echoed this sentiment, asserting that the case against him should never have been filed. They added, "The government owes Mr. Hearn an apology."

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Given all this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the reflecting pool to vandalism, let alone establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of destruction of property, was scheduled for trial on September 28. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and alleges Hearn caused at least $1,000 in damage. He previously told The Associated Press that he was detained for five hours after stopping by the pool on June 19 during a bicycle tour. He claimed he reached into the water to examine a dislodged coating but complied with a park worker's instruction to let go.

Hearn, 67, competed in three Olympic Games, with his best result being a ninth-place finish in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He and his supporters have suggested the prosecution was an attempt by the Trump administration to deflect blame and find scapegoats.

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That it be dismissed today does not erase the government's abuse of power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government's strategy was 'ready, fire, aim.' The government owes Mr. Hearn an apology.