The U.S. Justice Department moved Friday to dismiss a criminal case charging a former Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
In a 20-page court filing, prosecutors said additional documents provided by the Interior Department since the indictment of David Hearn show the damage was the result of a botched installation by a contractor as well as "the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026." In addition, a recent visual inspection revealed damage throughout the pool, including in the middle — where prosecutors say a vandal would not likely have attempted to peel the lining.
"Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt," said the filing from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, which asked a judge to formally dismiss the case.
Hearn's lawyers said in a statement that the case against him should never have been brought.
"Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government's approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology," the lawyers said.
The dismissal marks an embarrassing setback for a Justice Department that had billed the prosecution as accountability for damage at a Washington landmark where President Donald Trump had launched a massive renovation project before the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. Trump, without providing evidence, has alleged the damage was caused by vandals.
But the case has long been saddled with evidentiary problems and challenges. Hearn has for weeks maintained his innocence and his supporters have characterized the prosecution as a politically motivated attempt by the Trump administration to deflect blame.