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Department of Justice Moves to Dismiss Vandalism Charges in Reflecting Pool Case
Just the facts
The Department of Justice moved to dismiss the indictment against David Hearn after determining that structural damage to the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by improper contractor installation rather than intentional vandalism. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro concluded that installation defects led to the tearing of the pool liner, leading prosecutors to retract charges. The decision sparked internal disagreement within the administration, as President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly disputed the finding that contractors were responsible for the defect. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained of water to allow municipal work crews to complete structural repairs.
Why this is news
Federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges against U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.
Developments timeline
- Following the dismissal of charges against David Hearn, federal prosecutors dropped vandalism charges against three additional individuals accused in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool case.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.