Witness says Lincoln Memorial pool had preexisting damage before ex-Olympian's alleged vandalism
A court filing reveals that a National Park Service witness testified the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was already leaking and damaged before former Olympic canoeist David Hearn was accused of vandalizing it. The defense argues that Hearn caused no additional damage.
In a court filing released Monday, lawyers for David "Davey" Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, revealed that a witness in the case testified that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was already damaged before Hearn's alleged actions. The National Park Service official stated that the pool had substantial preexisting damage, including a leak of over one million gallons per week, expansion joints that had exceeded their service life, and a rip in the liner. The witness claimed that the same repairs would have been necessary regardless of Hearn's conduct.
Hearn's legal team is now seeking access to all grand jury testimony, citing irregularities in the proceedings. They questioned whether the grand jury was properly instructed on the elements of the charge, which requires causing over $1,000 in damages. Hearn pleaded not guilty to one felony count of property destruction in early July, which carries a potential 10-year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine. His trial is scheduled for September 28 in Washington DC superior court.
The defense noted that the NPS witness could not identify any additional cost caused by Hearn's alleged actions, and did not even suggest that the liner was compromised. Hearn, 67, who competed in three Summer Olympics, was detained by national guard and park police for five hours after stopping at the pool during a bike ride on June 19. He told the Associated Press he reached into the pool and touched a chunk of liner but released it when instructed.
The pool's condition became a political issue after President Trump initiated a $16 million renovation that included a blue paint lining. The renovation failed, leading to green algae blooms, and Trump blamed vandals. Three people, including Hearn, were charged with misdemeanors for taking or attempting to take pieces of the liner. The US attorney's office did not comment on the new claims. During a speech in Michigan on Monday, Trump mentioned the pool, saying a "sick" person cut the liner and that the pool is "in the hospital" but expected to recover soon.
