Former Olympian Pleads Not Guilty to Damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of damaging the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Former Olympian Pleads Not Guilty to Damaging Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges that he damaged the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The 67-year-old, a two-time world champion in canoe slalom, appeared in federal court to contest the allegations.

Outside the courthouse, a crowd of supporters gathered to back Hearn. They held signs calling him a hero, and one person carried a life preserver. As Hearn left the building, he smiled and raised his fist while the crowd chanted his name, according to CNN.

Hearn was arrested along with several other individuals several days after the Trump administration completed a $14.7 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool. During that project, a blue sealant layer was added to the pool's bottom. Afterward, algae spread across the surface and the new coating began peeling off in large sections.

The administration blamed the damage on vandalism. However, some reports suggest that the peeling may have been caused by workers pouring large amounts of hydrogen peroxide into the water to combat the algae growth.

Federal authorities allege that Hearn contributed to the damage by pulling off approximately two square feet (about 0.2 square meters) of the blue film. Hearn previously denied causing any harm, telling The Washington Post that he merely stopped to touch the surface of the peeling material. His attorney, Mary Dohrmann, argued during Thursday's hearing that the government's evidence is weak.

Prosecutors charge Hearn with willful destruction of property valued at more than $1,000. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. The trial itself is not expected to begin until February 2027 due to the court's busy schedule.

"You can be a former governor. You can be a former this, you can be a former that. That doesn't mean the law doesn't apply to you," said U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, addressing Hearn's case.

Three other people have already been charged with lesser property damage offenses related to the same incident. They also pleaded not guilty. According to court documents cited by CNN, police found one of the three at the pool last month holding a piece of the blue sealant, while another person had a piece in their purse. All three were ordered to stay away from the Reflecting Pool.

Meanwhile, authorities announced that work to drain the pool again for repairs began over the weekend — the second time in three months.

Source: Novinky.cz

Source: Novinky.cz