Former Olympian David Hearn’s Reflecting Pool Trial Set for Sept. 28

U.S. District Judge Todd Edelman scheduled a trial for former Olympic canoeist David Hearn to begin on Sept. 28. Hearn faces a felony charge of property destruction for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a bike ride in June. He has pleaded not guilty and has asked the court to dismiss the case.

Hearn’s lawyers argue that the Trump administration, which is overseeing a multimillion‑dollar renovation of the pool, has failed to preserve critical physical evidence. The pool has been drained several times, and the judge warned officials that further work could jeopardize the defense, saying the government is “operating at its own peril.”

The renovation project, launched by President Donald Trump, was originally projected at $1.5 million but has escalated to over $16 million and has drawn criticism for alleged shoddy workmanship. While at least three other individuals face misdemeanor citations for paint removal, Hearn is the only defendant charged with a felony, which carries a potential 10‑year prison term.