Attorneys for former Olympic canoeist David Hearn have formally requested investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Interior Department inspectors general into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, indictment, and subsequent dismissal of felony charges.
A D.C. Superior Court judge permanently dismissed the case last week, ending a prosecution that Hearn’s legal team has described as flawed and unjust. The request for investigations follows the Justice Department’s decision to drop the charges after determining that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by a contractor’s error, not vandalism.
Hearn’s detention and legal ordeal
Hearn was detained for five hours on June 19 after he touched a loose liner in the Reflecting Pool during a bike ride. National Park Police asked him to remove his hand, but his attorneys allege he was never read his Miranda rights and was denied a phone call during detention. He was later indicted on a felony charge of destruction of government property, which carries a potential 10-year prison sentence.
Government response and dismissal
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed a motion to dismiss the indictment after new evidence indicated the damage was caused by a contractor’s "botched installation" rather than intentional vandalism. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the same charge cannot be refiled. Pirro’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the dismissal.
Calls for accountability
In a letter to the DOJ and Interior Department inspectors general, Hearn’s attorneys accused government officials of incompetence and misconduct, alleging pressure from political figures influenced the prosecution. The letter requests witness interviews, document reviews, and electronic media analysis to determine accountability for the handling of the case.
Legal and political reactions
Critics of the prosecution have framed the case as an abuse of government power, while supporters of the initial charges argue the case was pursued based on available evidence at the time. The Interior Department has not publicly addressed the allegations of misconduct.
The DOJ Inspector General’s office and Interior Department Inspector General’s office have not confirmed whether they will open investigations. Hearn’s legal team has stated that any failure to conduct a thorough review would perpetuate the mistreatment they allege occurred.