A federal judge has yet to rule on whether a vandalism case against former U.S. Olympian David Hearn and three others will be permanently dismissed, after prosecutors moved to drop the charges last week.
President Donald Trump reiterated accusations that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalized, citing a witness who alleged Hearn was seen damaging the pool’s lining. Hearn’s legal team has called the case politically motivated and demanded the dismissal be made permanent.
Key developments
- Federal prosecutors requested the dismissal of the case without prejudice, allowing for potential refiling in the future.
- Hearn’s lawyers filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the felony charge with prejudice, which would close the case indefinitely.
- Trump publicly criticized the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, for dropping the case, calling it a sign of weakness.
Judge to decide on permanent dismissal
Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman has not yet ruled on whether the case can be reopened. Hearn’s legal team argues the charges should be dismissed for good, stating in a 28-page motion that the case was “motivated by political considerations” and lacked factual support.
Prosecutors’ rationale
Federal prosecutors sought the dismissal without prejudice, meaning they reserve the right to refile charges if new evidence emerges. Their legal filing blamed the pool’s peeling lining on “botched installation” by contractors, contradicting Trump’s claims of vandalism.
Trump’s continued statements
Trump has repeatedly asserted that the pool’s lining was vandalized, citing a “highly credible witness” who claimed to see Hearn “violently ripping and tugging” at the lining. He also acknowledged contractor error in the renovation but maintained that the damage was significant.
Hearn’s response
Hearn’s legal team has framed the case as a political attack, arguing that prosecutors acted under pressure. His lawyer, Norm Eisen, stated: “Davey is an innocent man. He shouldn’t have to go through this a second time.”
Ongoing security measures
Trump indicated that additional security cameras would be installed at the Reflecting Pool to prevent future incidents. The pool was partially drained for repairs and is expected to reopen shortly after the work is completed.