US Park Police arrest former Olympian for vandalism of Reflecting Pool
U.S. Park Police arrested a cyclist and former Olympian for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
David Hearn, 67, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for causing the issues at the Reflecting Pool, where algae has made the pool appear bright green.
Hearn claimed he only reached into the pool to feel a detached piece of the pool’s liner to see what it felt like, according to the Washington Post. The cyclist also denied touching the hose used by government workers, but acknowledged his bike might have.
Trump blamed an ABC News journalist Friday night for peeling the pool’s coating.
“Lightweight ABC Reporter, Jonathan Karl, was seen sticking his hand into the Pool, and trying to rip the rubber off of the surface,” the president said. “The algae is 75% gone, and the condition will soon be completely remedied, and the area that was vandalized, fortunately, is just a small area of damage, and will be fixed early next week.”
Hearn is a three-time Olympian who won two World Championships in white water racing. He retired from active competition in 2002.
The cyclist will appear in front of the D.C. Superior Court on July 9.
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Worker cleans algae from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington on June 18, 2026. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner) -
A worker scrubs algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, June 19, 2026. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner) -
Blue paint peeling from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington on June 18, 2026. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner) -
Workers scoop algae from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington on June 18, 2026. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner) -
A worker scrubs algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Washington. (Graeme Jennings, Washington Examiner) -
Blue paint peeling from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington on June 18, 2026. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
TRUMP BLAMES ABC REPORTER AND VANDALS FOR PEELING REFLECTING POOL AND ALGAE GROWTH
The Reflecting Pool became the center of national attention after Trump ordered it refurbished, complaining it had become dirty and unpleasant. The multi-million-dollar refurbishment drew heavy scrutiny from left-wing critics, who have closely monitored the site since new lining was installed and painted over.
The lining has been pictured peeling off in places, and some parts floating on the surface.
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