Federal prosecutors in Washington have moved to dismiss charges against four individuals accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including a former Olympic athlete who faced a felony count. The decision follows an investigation revealing that the damage was caused primarily by faulty installation work rather than vandalism.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jeanine Pirro, filed motions last week to drop both the felony and misdemeanor charges related to the pool’s blue lining, which had been reported to be peeling shortly after repairs. David Hearn, the former Olympic canoeist, had been charged with a felony count of property destruction, while three others—Justin Carreno, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Cameron Thiers—were charged with misdemeanor offenses valuing less than $1,000.
According to court documents, investigators concluded that a contractor’s botched installation was responsible for widespread damage to the pool’s new lining. This assessment contrasts with earlier narratives, promoted by some administration officials including President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who attributed the deterioration to vandalism by the defendants.
The Reflecting Pool had been subject to long-standing maintenance issues, including water leakage between concrete slabs. In the most recent repair effort, the Interior Department awarded a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia-based company, to apply a new lining. However, the liner began deteriorating soon after installation, prompting arrests tied to alleged vandalism.
President Trump expressed frustration over the dismissal of the cases, publicly criticizing U.S. Attorney Pirro, suggesting she was intimidated by the judiciary and "choked" under pressure. Despite the president’s comments, Pirro’s office formally asserted that the damage stemmed from improper repair work, not criminal acts.
Interior Secretary Burgum has maintained that vandalism played a role, supporting the initial charges, though the evidence presented by prosecutors challenges this position. The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the handling of the investigation and the decision to prosecute, especially considering the impact on those charged. One defendant’s attorney reported that the client lost his government contracting job as a result of the allegations.
Legal experts and critics have highlighted concerns about prosecutorial overreach and the implications of pursuing felony charges without sufficient evidence. The case has been cited alongside other recent high-profile controversies involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, which has faced accusations of using the justice system in politically charged proceedings.
As the government moves to withdraw the charges, the legal teams for the accused have indicated potential plans to pursue civil action, alleging damages related to the prosecutions. The episode underscores tensions between federal agencies, the Department of the Interior, and the administration’s insistence on attributing blame for the reflecting pool’s condition.