Former Olympic Canoeist Indicted Over Vandalism of Washington's Reflecting Pool

David “Davey” Hearn, a 67‑year‑old former U.S. Olympic canoeist, has been charged with vandalism after police allege he ripped sealant from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19, 2026. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the alleged act caused roughly $1,000 worth of damage and is a felony deterrence to the recently restored site.

Hearn maintains that he only touched pieces of damage already present and that he “didn’t destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part” of the paint. He portrayed his arrest as “arbitrary, capricious prosecution,” declaring his motives were driven by curiosity about the pool’s condition.

Authorities say the pool, which underwent a $14 million renovation, began to show signs of algae growth and peeling sealant soon after being refilled. The incident has led to five arrests and five federal citations for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, which spans 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

President Donald Trump, speaking on social media, condemned the act and threatened a prompt fix, shouting “SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!” after inspecting the site and expressing disbelief at the vandalism allegations.