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NewsNBC Los Angeles (KNBC) – PoliticsJuly 2, 2026Los Angeles

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 blue liner and sealant, 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 renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has faced public scrutiny over peeling sealant and algae growth.

Key Facts

  • David 'Davey' Hearn was indicted in D.C. Superior Court on a felony count of destruction of property.
  • The indictment follows an arrest on June 19 at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
  • The pool underwent a $14-million-plus rehabilitation project this spring.
  • The National Park Service reported that the pool's bottom liner was cut with a sharp object, damaging the foam sealant.
  • Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, stated that approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool.
  • Hearn denies removing or destroying any part of the pool coating, stating he only touched detached pieces.
  • The pool's new liner and coating were applied in a color designated as 'American flag blue'.
  • The June 9 incident was reported to the U.S. Park Police.
  • The allegations of vandalism were cited in a court document related to a lawsuit against the administration's work on the pool.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“Former President who attributed pool damage to vandals.”other70“Number of fence post tops allegedly thrown into the pool.”personFrank Lands“Deputy director of operations for the National Park Service.”locationLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool“Site of the alleged vandalism and recent $14 million renovation.”organizationNational Park Service“Federal agency responsible for the maintenance and oversight of the Reflecting P”personDavid 'Davey' Hearn“U.S. Olympic canoeist indicted on a felony charge of destruction of property.”