BETHESDA, Md. (Diya TV) — Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge tied to alleged damage at the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The case has drawn national attention because it involves a major federal landmark and follows claims by President Donald Trump that vandals damaged the site.
Hearn, 67, entered his plea through his attorney during his first appearance in D.C. Superior Court. Prosecutors charged him with one count of felony property destruction. They claim he caused more than $1,000 in damage to the reflecting pool after pulling on newly installed sealant.
The case centers on the $16 million renovation project completed before the nation’s 250th Independence celebrations. The project aimed to restore the famous reflecting pool, but officials later reported several maintenance problems, including issues with the new coating.
Defense attorneys strongly rejected the government’s allegations. They argued that Hearn simply examined loose material inside the pool and followed instructions from a National Park Service worker.
Defense attorney Norm Eisen criticized the prosecution after the hearing. He said the case should concern all Americans because, in his view, touching the reflecting pool should not lead to criminal charges.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro defended the prosecution. She said anyone who damages national monuments or public property should face legal consequences. She added that the law applies equally to everyone.
Judge Carmen McLean allowed Hearn to remain free while the case moves forward. The judge did not require court supervision before trial. However, prosecutors requested a stay-away order, although they did not identify the specific location during the hearing. The court scheduled the next status hearing for Aug. 5.
Hearn’s attorney, Mary Dohrmann, urged the judge not to impose additional restrictions. She described her client as a respected member of the community. She also argued that prosecutors have weak evidence against him.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters gathered to cheer for Hearn. Many carried handmade signs and chanted his nickname as he left the building. Hearn smiled at supporters and raised his fist, but did not speak to reporters.
Among those supporting Hearn was Adam Van Grack, who previously led the U.S. Olympic national governing body for canoe and kayak sports. He praised Hearn’s long record of public service and volunteer work.
Van Grack said Hearn spent many years helping maintain National Park Service property along the Potomac River. According to him, Hearn cared deeply about protecting public spaces used by athletes and residents. He said the accusation that Hearn intentionally damaged federal property does not match the character of the man he has known for decades.
The incident took place on June 19 during a long bicycle ride. Hearn previously told The Associated Press that he stopped at the reflecting pool after noticing sections of the new coating had peeled away. He said he reached into the water to examine the loose material. He also said he immediately let go when a park worker instructed him to do so.
Hearn further said National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police detained him for about five hours after the incident.
The reflecting pool renovation has faced several technical problems since reopening. Workers have used nanobubbler devices to control algae growth by adding ozone to the water. In addition, officials have acknowledged that the pool may need to be drained again because sections of the liner require repairs. Visitors also reported seeing pieces of the blue coating floating on the water.
President Trump has claimed, without presenting evidence, that vandals damaged the project by pouring fertilizer into the pool and cutting the coating with a box cutter. Pirro also announced last week that authorities arrested six other people on misdemeanor charges connected to incidents at the renovated site.
Prosecutors allege that Hearn ripped away recently installed sealant and ignored warnings from an employee. They argue that his actions caused significant property damage. However, Hearn’s legal team disputes that version of events and insists he never intended to damage the reflecting pool.
