More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Federal prosecutors in Washington have dropped misdemeanor charges against three individuals accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The cases, which involved vandalism charges against former Olympian David Hearn and three others, were dismissed following new evidence that the damage was caused by a contractor's "botched installation" during the rush to finish the project ahead of America 250 events.
The Department of the Interior obtained internal documents showing weather setbacks and pool damage during sealant application. The three individuals, Hearn, Justin Carreno, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Cameron Thiers, were accused of causing damage to property valued at less than $1,000. Hearn denied any wrongdoing, claiming he only touched the pool while on a bike ride.
Critics, including President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, have criticized the decision, with Trump referring to Pirro as someone who "choked" and "made a mistake." Pirro's office defended the decision, citing the recent evidence regarding the contractor's mistake. Hearn's attorneys stated that the case "should never have been brought" and that the government owes Hearn an apology.
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