DOJ drops Reflecting Pool case against ex-Olympian; Trump disputes dismissal

The Department of Justice moved on July 31, 2026, to dismiss its felony case against David Hearn, a 67-year-old former U.S. Olympic canoeist, citing a flawed installation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. President Trump publicly rejected the DOJ's decision to drop the prosecution.

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DOJ will drop Reflecting Pool criminal case, citing 'flawed installation'

rss:thehillus_mainstream60d ago kagi ↗

The Department of Justice (DOJ) moved Friday to drop its criminal prosecution of a former Olympian charged with destroying the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was instead the result of a “rushed and botched installation.” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office blamed the contractor for overspraying and delamination. In a new court filing, the office...

Trump rejects DOJ move to drop Reflecting Pool case

kite:usaother59d ago kagi ↗

The Justice Department moved Friday to dismiss its felony destruction-of-government-property case against David Hearn, a 67-year-old former U.S. Olympic canoeist accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after prosecutors said new evidence showed the damage resulted from a flawed installation rather than vandalism [cbsnews.com#1][pbs.org#1][sentinelcolorado.com#1][dawn.com#2]. U.S.