WASHINGTON — A former U.S. Olympian was charged with destruction of government property after he reached into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and touched peeling blue sealant, authorities said, amid a broader investigation into damage at the recently renovated National Mall landmark.
David “Davey” Hearn, 67, a three-time Olympic canoeist from Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested by U.S. Park Police on Friday while on a bicycle ride near the pool, officials confirmed. He faces a misdemeanor charge and is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9, according to court information and reports.
The incident occurred as the Reflecting Pool, which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation including a new “American flag blue” sealant, has experienced rapid deterioration with peeling material and algae issues shortly after being refilled in early June. President Donald Trump has publicly blamed vandals for the problems and stated that multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with alleged damage.
Hearn told reporters he stopped to examine the floating pieces of detached coating out of curiosity during his ride. “I didn’t vandalize anything. I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything,” he said. “I reached down to see what it felt like. It was very rubbery.”
He was detained for about five hours before being released, according to his account. A video of the arrest, which showed National Guard members and Park Police responding, circulated on social media.
U.S. Park Police did not immediately release further details on the specific allegations against Hearn or the total number of arrests. The National Park Service and federal authorities are investigating the cause of the peeling sealant and other issues at the site, officials said.
The renovation project, ordered ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, cost more than $14 million. Problems including algae blooms and liner failure emerged soon after the pool was refilled, prompting criticism and calls for repairs, including possibly draining the basin.
Hearn, who competed in canoe slalom events and has a background in watercraft materials, said he acted out of scientific interest. He denies intentionally causing damage.
As of Saturday, the pool remained under increased security with National Guard presence. No official determination has been made on the extent of any vandalism versus material or maintenance issues. Investigations continue, authorities said.
