In brief
Former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn has been indicted for worse than a brush stroke on the Reflecting Pool. Authorities say Hearn was seen handling a newly installed sealant, causing about $1,000 in damage. His attorneys counter the claim, calling the indictment a political “shift of blame.” Meanwhile, President Trump blasted the vandalism and pledged immediate repairs. Five other arrests and several federal citations follow the incident.
Former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn has been formally charged with vandalizing the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall after a $14 million facelift.
A press conference held on July 2 saw U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announce that Hearn, 67, allegedly ripped paint from the newly installed sealant at the pool’s bottom on June 19, inflicting damage estimated at $1,000 (£750). The incident followed a months‑long renovation meant to curb leaks and algae.
Hearn’s legal team, in a statement released by his attorneys, labeled the indictment as “outrageous” and an attempt by the administration to deflect responsibility for the pool’s continued upkeep problems.
President Donald Trump, who placed the blame for the peeling coating on vandals, called the act “sick, deranged” and promised an immediate repair plan after tweeting his concerns on June 20.
National Park Service officials had earlier noted multiple tools used to cut the pool’s liner and mentioned that five separate arrests were linked to vandalism, with five additional citations issued.
The pool, established in the 1920s, has long battled structural deterioration and algae; the latest renovation sought to address these issues but now faces new challenges after the alleged damage.
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