Reflecting Pool case against former Olympian dismissed, fence remains

A Washington, D.C. judge dismissed the felony indictment against former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn for alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the government’s motion to drop the charge after the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jeanine Pirro, cited Interior Department information indicating the damage was likely caused by a rushed, botched installation by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings rather than vandalism.

Despite the dismissal, a chain‑link fence continues to surround the pool. The fence was erected in late July when the Trump administration drained the pool for repairs and has remained in place even after officials admitted the damage was due to poor workmanship. President Donald Trump had previously blamed “vandals” for the damage, a claim now contradicted by the prosecutor’s filing.