Former Olympian Indicted for Vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool

Wed Sep 30 2026 09:09:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 67‑year‑old Olympic canoeer faces felony charges after ripping sealant off the renovated Reflecting Pool, sparking debate over federal responsibility.

David “Davey” Hearn, a former US Olympic canoeist, was indicted on charges of vandalism after allegedly ripping sealant from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The 14‑million‑dollar renovation was marred by algae and peeling, with authorities blaming Hearn for the damage. Hearn’s attorneys called the arrest “capricious” and accused the administration of shifting blame. President Trump publicly condemned the vandalism, declaring urgent repairs. The case highlights tensions between federal oversight and maintenance of national landmarks.

Former Olympian Indicted for Vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool

David "Davey" Hearn, 67, a three‑time Olympic canoeist, has been charged with destroying property after allegedly ripping a strip of recently installed sealant from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment at a press conference, stating the damage was worth approximately $1,000 (£750). Hearn was reportedly seen reaching into the water days after the pool’s $14-million refurbishment.

Hearn’s lawyers released a statement declaring him innocent and accusing the administration of "shifting blame" for their own failures. They described the arrest as "arbitrary, capricious prosecution".

President Donald Trump took to social media to denounce the incident, calling the vandalism "sick, deranged people" and promising immediate repairs. Trump’s comments came after reports of the pool’s lining tearing from the bottom, a problem that had already plagued the waterway for years.

The Reflecting Pool, stretching 2,030 ft (619 m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has long suffered from leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth, and bird droppings. Despite the recent renovation, the pool now faces renewed ecological and structural challenges.

Five other individuals have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the pool, and five have received federal citations. The National Park Service confirms that the lining was cut with a sharp object, a claim corroborated by on‑site investigations.

For further context, see this video of the pool’s green algae outbreak after the upgrade, and read news about the National Park Service’s statement on sharp cut damage.