Former Olympian Accused of Vandalizing Reflecting Pool as Trump Threatens 'Years in Jail' for Alleged Destruction
A former US Olympian has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing the newly refurbished Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. David Hearn, 67, was taken into custody on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. The incident occurred after Hearn reportedly interacted with a National Guardsman and was seen near a hose being used to remediate algae growth in the pool.
According to journalist Emily Miller, who posted a video of the incident on social media, Hearn was handcuffed by US Park Police. However, Hearn claims he did not vandalize anything and was simply examining a partially detached piece of the new pool liner after finishing a 52-mile bike ride.
The arrest is one of several incidents that have prompted a strong response from President Donald Trump and an increase in security at the site. Trump addressed the incidents on social media, confirming that multiple people had been arrested for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool and describing the acts as "very serious crimes" that could result in "years in jail."
The Reflecting Pool has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks due to peeling paint and algae growth, just weeks after a $14.8 million restoration project was completed. The National Park Service has been working to remove the algae, with employees and contractors using vacuums to clean the pool. The incidents have led to a surge in security, with multiple people detained over the weekend.
According to journalist Emily Miller, who posted a video of the incident on social media, Hearn was handcuffed by US Park Police. However, Hearn claims he did not vandalize anything and was simply examining a partially detached piece of the new pool liner after finishing a 52-mile bike ride.
The arrest is one of several incidents that have prompted a strong response from President Donald Trump and an increase in security at the site. Trump addressed the incidents on social media, confirming that multiple people had been arrested for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool and describing the acts as "very serious crimes" that could result in "years in jail."
The Reflecting Pool has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks due to peeling paint and algae growth, just weeks after a $14.8 million restoration project was completed. The National Park Service has been working to remove the algae, with employees and contractors using vacuums to clean the pool. The incidents have led to a surge in security, with multiple people detained over the weekend.
News, Global