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Former Olympian indicted after arrest over alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism
Prosecutors say Hearn caused more than $1,000 in damage after touching the pool’s liner, and he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
- On Thursday, a D.C. grand jury indicted three-time Olympian David Hearn on a felony charge of property destruction at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted.
- Hearn was arrested June 19 after touching a detached piece of the pool's "American flag blue" liner during a bike ride; the monument has faced algae blooms and peeling sealant since the $14 million renovation reopened last month.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro alleged Hearn "forcefully and violently" pulled the liner, causing over $1,000 in damage; Hearn's attorney Norm Eisen countered that the indictment reflects the administration's effort to "shift blame for their own failures."
- Pirro reported her office is investigating about a half dozen other cases related to the pool, with some potentially resulting in misdemeanor charges rather than felonies.
- President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed vandalism for the pool's deterioration, though critics argue peeling sealant and algae may stem from maintenance or environmental factors rather than criminal activity.
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Washington grand jury indicts 67‑year‑old ex-Olympian for Reflecting Pool vandalism, maximum penalty 10 years
WASHINGTON, July 3 — A former US Olympian was charged Thursday with vandalising Washington’s newly renovated — but already peeling — Reflecting Pool and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.Lawyers for the defendant, 67-year-old David Hearn, blasted the indictment as proof of a politicized justice system under President Donald Trump.“These charges are outrageous and should be alarming to every American,” Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann …
·Selangor, Malaysia
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The green colored Reflecting Pool in the US capital annoys President Trump. The prosecutor's office now accuses an ex-Olympia canon of vandalism.
·Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources214
Leaning Left64Leaning Right29Center94Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 34%
C 50%
R 16%
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