Justice Department Dismisses Case Against Former Olympian Over Lincoln Memorial Incident

Dismissal of Charges Against Former Olympian

The Justice Department has decided to dismiss charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian, who was accused of deliberately causing damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Newly obtained evidence indicates the damage was not the result of vandalism.

Reasons Behind the Dismissal

Government lawyers, in a 20-page court filing, explained that recent documents from the Interior Department showed the damage was due to poor installation by a contractor. There was a rush to complete the project before events for the America 250 celebration around Independence Day 2026.

A visual inspection uncovered damage throughout the pool, even in areas unlikely to be targeted by vandals. This evidence made it challenging to attribute the damage to vandalism, as stated by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who requested the formal dismissal of the case.

Response from Hearn’s Lawyers

Hearn’s lawyers expressed relief over the dismissal but criticized the government for charging him unjustly. They described the prosecution as a misuse of government power, demanding an apology for Hearn.

Background of the Incident

The prosecution emphasized accountability for damage at a Washington landmark that was undergoing renovations initiated by President Donald Trump. Initially, Trump alleged vandals caused the damage without providing evidence, leading to evidentiary issues throughout the case.

Hearn maintained his innocence, with supporters suggesting the prosecution was politically motivated. Reports from a National Park Service official indicated existing damage before Hearn’s alleged involvement and quantified no substantial damage attributable to him.

Legal Proceedings and New Evidence

Hearn pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction, scheduled for trial on September 28. The charge accused him of causing at least $1,000 in damage, potentially resulting in a 10-year prison sentence upon conviction.

Prosecutors recently received documents indicating the damage was due to installation issues rather than vandalism. Initially, they relied on information from the Interior Department suggesting vandalism.

Hearn’s Account of Events

Hearn recounted to The Associated Press that he was detained by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police after visiting the pool during a bike ride on June 19. He acknowledged briefly touching the pool’s newly peeled coating but complied when a park worker instructed him to let go.

Hearn’s Background

At 67, Hearn is a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, and competed in three Summer Olympics. His best performance was ninth at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.