US Olympian indicted after Trump alleged ‘vandalism’ at DC reflecting pool

US Olympic canoeist David Hearn, 67, has been indicted on a felony charge of destroying government property after allegedly damaging the lining of Washington's Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on June 19. The indictment follows Trump's claims that vandals created a 300-foot gash in the pool's blue sealant installed during a $14.7 million renovation. Hearn's lawyers say he merely touched a peeling piece of liner while cycling past the pool and deny the destruction allegations, calling the charges a misuse of government power.

Prosecutors claim Hearn "forcefully and violently" removed the bottom liner and was belligerent when asked to stop by National Park Service employees. Hearn told the Washington Post he did not vandalize the pool and was handcuffed before realizing what was happening. An algae bloom turned the refurbished pool green days after its completion, though Trump has not released the photographs and video evidence he promised to substantiate his vandalism claims.