Allegations and Charges

David “Davey” Hearn. 67, a three-time Olympic canoeist, is accused of causing $1,000 (£750) worth of damage to the Reflecting Pool after renovations were completed last month. The U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the charges at a press conference on Thursday, stating that Hearn is facing a felony charge of destruction of property.

According to Pirro, the incident occurred on June 19, 2026, when Hearn allegedly ripped a piece of recently installed sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool. She emphasized that this was a deliberate act aimed at damaging a structure that National Park Service employees had worked hard to restore.

Hearn’s Response

Hearn’s attorneys have denied the allegations, asserting his innocence and suggesting that the indictment reflects an attempt by the administration to shift blame for its own failures. In a statement, they said, “Davey Hearn is innocent. These charges are outrageous and should be alarming to every American.”

Hearn previously told the BBC that he did not do anything wrong and was detained by the pool’s edge after completing a long bike ride. He claimed his curiosity about the condition of the pool led him to touch material that was already damaged. He emphasized that he “did not destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part” of the paint.

Hearn described his arrest as “arbitrary, capricious prosecution,” and his legal team has expressed concerns about the implications of the charges for U.S. citizens.

Reflecting Pool Issues and Other Incidents

The Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $14 million renovation project, has faced ongoing issues with algae and problems with the newly installed sealant. Large pieces of the sealant have been seen peeling from the bottom. According to U.S. Park Police, five people have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the pool, and five others have been issued federal citations. An official at the National Park Service had previously reported that the pool’s lining had been cut with a sharp object.

President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about the pool’s condition, blamed vandals for the peeling of the newly applied coating. On June 20, he announced that work would begin immediately on fixing the “seriously vandalized” Reflecting Pool. He said on social media, “I just inspected it, and could only say to myself, and those gathered around me, WOW, who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!”

The Reflecting Pool, built in the 1920s and stretching 2,030 feet (619 meters) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has long struggled with leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth, and bird droppings. These ongoing issues have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the monument.