Justice Department withdraws charge of reflecting-pool vandalism
Posted on 2026-08-01 14:07:14
The Justice Department has moved to dismiss a criminal case charging a former Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Government lawyers said in a 20-page court filing that information provided since the indictment of David Hearn shows that the damage was the result of a "flawed installation by the contractor" as well as "the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026."
The 67-year-old Hearn competed in three Summer Olympics in slalom canoe events. He stopped by the reflecting pool in June and reached in to touch peeling paint. He was charged with felony destruction of property.
Hearn's lawyers say the case against him should never have been brought and he's owed an apology.
Customer Service Hotline: 02-8522-7177 | Email: icrtclub@icrt.com.tw Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM nternational Community Radio Taipei 19-5F, No. 5, Sec. 3, New Taipei Blvd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 24250