David "Davey" Hearn, a three-time Olympian, denies destroying government property after being arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. He claims he only touched peeling paint during a bike ride.
The incident highlights ongoing issues with the recently refurbished Reflecting Pool and raises questions about the prosecution of individuals interacting with national monuments, particularly in the context of President Trump's focus on beautifying Washington D.C.
David "Davey" Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympian, has denied vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. following his arrest on Friday. Hearn, a champion canoeist, was detained by the pool's edge after allegedly touching a strip of peeling rubbery material from the recently refurbished pool. He told BBC News that he had removed his cycling glove to examine the material, which appeared to have "delaminated" from the bottom, and insisted he did not destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part of the paint.
President Donald Trump, who has promoted the pool's makeover as part of efforts to beautify the U.S. capital, shared news of Hearn's arrest on Truth Social, labeling it vandalism and a serious crime against national monuments. Trump stated that repairs would begin immediately. The Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $13 million resealing and painting project, has continued to experience issues with peeling paint and algae growth despite the refurbishment.
Hearn, who competed in three Olympic slalom canoe events and won two world championships, expressed curiosity about the pool's materials due to his background in designing waterproof products. He stated that he only touched the material briefly before being asked to stop by a park worker. He called his arrest an "arbitrary, capricious prosecution" and suggested he was being made an example of. A video of the arrest shows Hearn speaking with park workers before being approached by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police.