DOJ drops Reflecting Pool case, now says no evidence of damage by vandalism

The U.S. Department of Justice has officially pushed back against claims made by President Donald Trump regarding the condition of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New court filings contradict previous assertions that the site was marred by acts of vandalism.

Charges Dropped Against Former Olympian

Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss criminal charges on Friday against David Hearn, a former U.S. Olympic athlete who had been accused of damaging the landmark. According to a 20-page court filing cited by the Associated Press, investigators now point to a failed installation by a contractor as the true culprit behind the damage. The report notes that a rush to finish the project ahead of the America 250 celebration during the lead-up to Independence Day 2026 likely contributed to the structural issues. A recent visual inspection revealed damage throughout the pool, rather than just isolated spots where lining had peeled.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the shift in the investigation, stating, "Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt." The filing specifically requests the dismissal of the case against David Hearn, who had previously pleaded not guilty to a single felony count of property destruction.

Calls for an Apology

Following the dismissal, legal representatives for the 67-year-old Bethesda, Maryland resident demanded an apology from the administration. "Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong," his lawyers stated. "The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology."

Hearn, a three-time Olympian who placed in the top 10 at the 1996 Atlanta Games, had maintained his innocence. He explained that during a bike ride on June 19, he simply reached out to examine the peeling coating before complying with a park worker who instructed him to stop.

Questions Over Official Narratives

While President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had repeatedly blamed vandals for the state of the newly renovated pool, the DOJ now admits that initial charges were based on incomplete information provided by the Interior Department. Court documents state that prosecutors had been forced to rely on those initial accounts until recently produced evidence revealed a botched construction job was actually to blame. President Trump has not issued a comment regarding the dismissal of the case.