Federal prosecutors on Friday moved to dismiss felony charges against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia filed a 20-page court motion stating that newly uncovered evidence indicates the damage was caused by a flawed installation by the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, rather than deliberate vandalism. The filing also cited the rush to complete the project ahead of the America 250 celebration surrounding Independence Day 2026 as a contributing factor.
Prosecutors withdraw indictment
The motion to dismiss the indictment was filed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who had previously alleged that Hearn had "violently" damaged the pool’s liner. The filing states that the Department of the Interior provided additional documents after the indictment, revealing that the damage began "almost immediately" after the pool’s renovation. Prosecutors concluded that it was difficult to attribute the damage to vandalism, let alone prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was dismissed without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of refiling charges.
Hearn’s legal team demands apology
Hearn, who denied any wrongdoing, was arrested in June and held for several hours. His attorneys, including Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann, and Steve Levin, issued a statement calling the case an abuse of government power and demanding an apology. "The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim," the statement read. "Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong."
Timeline of the case
Hearn was indicted on July 2 on one count of felony destruction of government property, accused of causing more than $1,000 in damage to the pool’s newly installed blue sealant. The project, championed by President Donald Trump, had faced scrutiny after the liner began peeling shortly after completion. Trump had repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that vandals were responsible for the damage. On June 20, he posted on Truth Social: "Who would do such a thing?" alongside mentions of arrests.
Contractor’s role emerges
The court filing revealed that the Department of the Interior initially provided "barebones" reports to prosecutors, failing to disclose records documenting extensive problems with the coating’s installation. Prosecutors stated that had the full information been available, they would not have sought the indictment. The contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Broader implications
The dismissal marks a significant reversal for the Trump administration, which had publicly framed the damage as an act of vandalism. The case had become a focal point in debates over government accountability and the handling of high-profile infrastructure projects. Hearn’s legal team has indicated they may pursue further legal action against the government.
The Reflecting Pool renovation, part of broader preparations for the America 250 celebration, had been a subject of political attention, with critics questioning the project’s management and timeline.