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NewsNBC Miami PoliticsJuly 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Olympic Canoeist Indicted for Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

U.S. Olympic athlete David 'Davey' Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge of destruction of property related to an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The indictment follows reports of damage to the pool's new liner and coating, which underwent a $14 million rehabilitation project earlier this year.

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Why It Matters

The case highlights ongoing legal and maintenance issues surrounding the $14 million Reflecting Pool renovation project, which has faced public scrutiny and allegations of vandalism.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn was indicted in D.C. Superior Court on a felony count of destruction of property.
  • The indictment relates to an arrest at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month.
  • The Reflecting Pool underwent a $14-million-plus rehabilitation project this spring.
  • The project included a new liner and a blue coating color named 'American flag blue' by Donald Trump.
  • The National Park Service reported that the pool's liner was cut with a sharp object, damaging the foam sealant.
  • Frank Lands reported that approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool.
  • David Hearn denies destroying any pool coating, stating he only touched detached pieces.
  • The June 9 incident was reported to the U.S. Park Police.
  • The damage claims were documented in a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization.

Who's Mentioned

organizationU.S. Park Police“Law enforcement agency that received reports of pool damage.”personDavid Hearn“U.S. Olympic canoeist indicted for destruction of property.”other70“Number of fence post tops allegedly thrown into the pool.”organizationNational Park Service“Agency responsible for the maintenance and oversight of the Reflecting Pool.”personFrank Lands“Deputy director of operations for the National Park Service.”personDonald Trump“Former President who attributed pool damage to vandals.”