Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have moved to drop charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The decision follows new evidence indicating that the pool’s damage was caused by a flawed renovation rather than deliberate vandalism.
In a motion filed in District of Columbia Superior Court, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro acknowledged that the damage stemmed from a problematic installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a contractor hired under the previous administration. The renovation was rushed in an effort to complete it before the July 4 America250 celebration, leading to widespread issues with the pool’s lining.
Hearn, 67, had been charged with destruction of property, a felony, and was due to stand trial on September 28. He was one of seven individuals facing charges related to damage at the pool after it experienced peeling of a blue-tinted waterproof coating. Authorities claimed that Hearn peeled off sections of the pool’s lining, which his lawyers denied, asserting that his actions were non-criminal and that crucial physical evidence had not been preserved.
During a July news conference, Pirro had described Hearn’s actions as “forceful and violent” and condemned the vandalism as “unchecked.” Park Service employees reportedly witnessed Hearn removing part of the pool’s liner and described him as belligerent when confronted. Hearn maintained that he only touched a peeling strip out of curiosity.
Following the motion to dismiss the case, Hearn’s attorneys criticized the prior administration’s handling of the situation, calling the charges an abuse of government power and demanding an apology.
The Interior Department, which oversees the National Mall and the Reflecting Pool, has not commented on the recent developments. The renovation project, led by the Trump administration, faced criticism over its cost—exceeding $16 million—as well as its management. The work included upgrading water-purification systems, sealing joints, and applying a new waterproofing coating in a shade dubbed “American flag blue” by the former president.
The administration awarded no-bid contracts for the project, justifying the expedited timeline ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a small Virginia-based firm without prior government contracts, received the contract. Former President Donald Trump initially claimed to have selected the firm due to its work on his golf course pools but later denied knowing the contractor.
The pool also suffered from longstanding issues with algae growth, worsened after devices to control algae were removed, turning the water from blue to green and causing large algae blooms. At the time, pieces of the new lining began peeling away. Trump alleged vandalism, including fertilizer being dumped and paint slashed at night with knives, but no evidence was provided to support these claims, and no defendants faced such accusations.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings did not respond to requests for comment. Previously, the company stated that problems affected only a small portion of the pool lining and pledged to address the issues under warranty.