Key facts
- David Hearn, a former Olympian, faces a felony charge of property destruction for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- Hearn's legal team is seeking full access to grand jury testimony, citing alleged irregularities and insufficient evidence.
- A witness testified that the pool already had substantial pre-existing damage requiring repair before Hearn's alleged conduct.
- The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $1,000 fine, but defense attorneys argue no additional damage was caused by Hearn.
- Hearn previously stated the pool's condition was unchanged after his alleged actions.
- Donald Trump recently commented on the pool's condition, comparing it to being 'in the hospital' but expected to recover.
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist charged with felony property destruction for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is seeking access to grand jury proceedings due to alleged irregularities. His legal team filed a motion requesting all grand jury testimony and instructions given to jurors, arguing that evidence indicates the pool already had significant damage requiring repairs before Hearn's alleged actions.
Hearn has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and alleges at least $1,000 in damage. Defense attorneys highlighted testimony from a National Park Service official stating the pool was leaking over a million gallons of water weekly and had pre-existing damage to its liner and expansion joints. They contend the witness could not identify any additional cost caused by Hearn's alleged conduct, and that the pool's condition was unchanged after he touched it.
The pool's condition became a political issue following a $16 million renovation championed by Donald Trump. Trump recently commented on the pool's state, comparing it to being 'in the hospital' but expecting its recovery. Hearn recounted being detained by the National Guard and U.S. Park Police for five hours after touching a piece of the pool's liner during a bike ride. At least three other individuals have faced misdemeanor charges related to similar alleged actions at the Reflecting Pool.