Olympian Indicted for Vandalising Washington’s Reflecting Pool

Sun Sep 06 2026 16:36:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Olympic canoeist charged with damaging the $14 million‑renovated Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, drawing national attention.

David "Davey" Hearn, a three‑time Olympic canoeist, faces a felony charge after allegedly ripping sealant from the Reflecting Pool at Washington’s Lincoln Memorial. The damage, assessed at roughly $1,000, prompted a federal indictment. Hearn’s attorneys claim the indictment is politically motivated, while President Trump condemns the act and vows repairs. The pool, which recently underwent a massive renovation, has seen further issues with algae and peeling liner.

Olympian Indicted for Vandalising Washington’s Reflecting Pool

A former US Olympian, 67‑year‑old David "Davey" Hearn, has been charged with vandalising the Reflecting Pool that lies between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Hearn, who represented the United States in canoeing at three Olympic Games, allegedly entered the pool after its $14 million renovation and ripped a piece of recently installed sealant from the bottom of the water. The damage is estimated at around $1,000 (£750), leading to a felony charge of destruction of property.

Statement from the US Attorney: "The attack took place on 19 June 2026, when Mr Hearn deliberately tore a strip of sealant from the pool’s floor," Attorney Jeanine Pirro told a press conference. "This action simply represents an attempt to sabotage effortfully restored historic sites.

Hearn denied the claims, describing the incident as "arbitrary, capricious prosecution". In a statement, his lawyers argued the indictment reflects a political drive to blame failures on his own administration. They also labeled the charges as "outrageous" and called for national scrutiny.

President Donald Trump reacted on social media on 20 June, accusing vandals of damaging the newly applied coating on the pool’s base and promising immediate repair work. "I just inspected it, and can only say to myself, and those gathered around me, WOW, who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!" he wrote.

The Reflecting Pool, laid out in the 1920s and 1,030 ft long, has struggled with leaks, structural wear, faulty piping, algae growth, and bird droppings. Despite ongoing restoration, reports of large sealant pieces peeling from the bottom have surfaced, prompting further vandalism concerns.