In brief
The case follows the indictment of 67‑year‑old canoeist Davey Hearn, who police claim ripped sealant off the pool's bottom. Authorities say the action caused $1,000 worth of damage amidst a costly $14 million renovation that has still struggled with algae and leaks. President Trump and others have criticized vandals, while Hearn disputes wrongdoing and calls the arrest arbitrary. The incident highlights ongoing preservation challenges at the National Mall, with recent work interrupted by a series of vandalism arrests.
Former Olympic canoeist David "Davey" Hearn has been charged with felony vandalism after police say he ripped recently applied sealant from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
Hearn, 67, claimed he did not destroy or remove any part of the paint and described his arrest as arbitrary. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the damage was estimated at $1,000 and that Hearn faces a felony charge of destruction of property.
The pool, which underwent a $14 million renovation, had already shown cases of algae growth and peeling sealant after being refilled. Five people have already been arrested for vandalism at the pool, with five others receiving federal citations.
President Trump slammed vandalism on social media, urging immediate repairs to the “seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool.” The incident underscores ongoing challenges in preserving the National Mall’s historic features.
