Olympic canoeist pleads not guilty to felony in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool case
On Thursday, David Hearn, a 67-year-old canoeist from Bethesda, Maryland, who has represented the U.S. in the Olympics three times, entered a not guilty plea in D.C. Superior Court regarding a felony charge of property destruction. This charge arises from an incident on June 19, during which Hearn is accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool by removing liner material, resulting in damages exceeding $1,000. U.S. Attorney Pirro mentioned there is "tremendous evidence" against Hearn, who contends he merely touched a loose strip as directed by a park employee. Defense attorney Norm Eisen expressed concerns about the case's implications. Judge Carmen McLean allowed Hearn to remain free without supervision until his next court appearance on August 5. Three other individuals also pleaded not guilty to related offenses. The rehabilitation of the pool cost over $14 million.
Key facts
- David Hearn pleaded not guilty to a felony destruction of property charge on Thursday.
- The charge is for alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19.
- Prosecutors say damages exceed $1,000.
- Hearn is a three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, aged 67, from Bethesda, Maryland.
- U.S. Attorney Pirro cited evidence that Hearn forcefully pulled the pool liner.
- Hearn claims he only touched a loose strip and did not vandalize anything.
- Defense attorney Norm Eisen argued the case sets a dangerous precedent.
- Three other defendants pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges for the same pool.
- The pool rehabilitation cost over $14 million and has had repeated problems.
- Trump alleged without evidence that fertilizer and a blade were used to damage the pool.
Entities
Artists
- David Hearn
- Sophie Elaine Dennison-Gibby
- Justin Toribio Carreno
- Cameron Michael Thiers
Institutions
- D.C. Superior Court
- U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
- National Park Service
- Washington Post
- NBC News
- The Guardian
- The Associated Press
- The New York Times
- Democracy Defenders Fund
- Washington Litigation Group
Locations
- Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
- Washington, D.C.
- Bethesda
- Maryland
- Washington
- District of Columbia
Sources
- Quartz —
- SCMP Culture —