The Justice Department has moved to dismiss criminal charges against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In a court filing submitted Friday, federal prosecutors acknowledged that the widespread damage to the pool’s new liner was likely caused by a flawed installation process rather than intentional destruction. The government stated that new documentation from the Interior Department revealed the project was rushed to meet deadlines for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, leading to significant technical failures.
Hearn, 67, had been charged with a felony count of property destruction after being seen touching a piece of the pool's peeling liner during a bike ride in June. He consistently maintained his innocence, explaining that he was merely curious about the dislodged material. Prosecutors initially alleged that Hearn had forcefully ripped the sealant, but they now admit that the evidence does not support a criminal case. The filing notes that damage was found in areas of the pool that would be inaccessible to a casual visitor, further undermining the theory of vandalism.
This decision marks a significant reversal for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., which had previously championed the case as a clear example of accountability for damage to a national landmark. The renovation project, which introduced a new blue liner, has faced ongoing scrutiny due to persistent issues, including algae growth and the separation of the pool's lining. The dismissal of the case leaves questions about the oversight of the multimillion-dollar project and the potential for further legal action from those involved in the initial investigation.