DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"

Federal prosecutors are seeking to dismiss an indictment against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C. had accused Hearn of causing over $1,000 in damage to the sealant installed at the bottom of the pool. However, the prosecutors now claim the damage was caused by a botched installation by a contractor, not vandalism.

President Trump had previously criticized the decision to charge Hearn, stating that the damage was caused by vandals. Hearn's lawyers have dismissed the government's case, calling it an abuse of power. The case against Hearn marks a significant reversal for federal prosecutors, who now acknowledge the damage was due to installation issues and the rushed timeline prior to the America 250 celebration.