David Hearn Pleads Not Guilty in Lincoln Memorial Pool Damage Case

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has officially told the court he is not responsible for more than $1,000 in damage to the liner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. At his arraignment Thursday morning, Hearn entered a not guilty plea, consistent with his earlier statement that “every American should be alarmed” after being indicted.

The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, who insists Hearn defiled the monument. Hearn was arrested last month by U.S. Park Police on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after allegedly reaching into the water and peeling off part of the newly installed pool liner.

He is among at least four people facing charges for allegedly tampering with the pool. President Trump’s renovations to the Reflecting Pool began in April and quickly turned into a fiasco: algae turned the water green, the liner peeled shortly after installation, and eventually fencing and heavy security had to be ordered around the pool to deter supposed vandals.

For the 62-year-old Hearn, who competed in the 1976, 1984, and 1988 Olympics, this is far from water under the bridge. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Hearn has previously said his actions were a protest against the administration’s policies, but the court seems unlikely to show leniency.

The incident has sparked widespread public debate: some see Hearn as a freedom fighter, others as a vandal who damaged a national treasure. The prosecution emphasizes that such actions are unacceptable and will be punished to the full extent of the law.

Hearings continue, and Hearn’s defense intends to challenge the charges, citing lack of intent and provocative actions by authorities. The next court session is expected in a few weeks.