David Hearn’s legal counsel has responded following his recent indictment by a grand jury, stemming from allegations that he caused damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Prosecutors allege that the former Olympic canoeist inflicted over $1,000 worth of damage to the pool with his ‘bare hands.’ Despite these claims, the 67-year-old asserts that the accusations are unfounded and describes the narrative against him as a ‘lie.’
These accusations follow President Trump’s $16 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool, intended as part of his efforts to enhance Washington, DC’s aesthetics ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.
The bottom of the pool was painted ‘American flag blue,’ but shortly after completion, the pool experienced issues with algae turning the water green and the paint beginning to peel.
Hearn was among six individuals apprehended in relation to the incident.
At a press conference on July 2, US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced the charges, stating that Hearn will be held ‘accountable.’
However, Hearn’s attorneys, Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, have released a strong statement after weeks of mounting a defense.
“Davey Hearn is innocent,” they declared.
“These charges are outrageous and should be alarming to every American. This indictment reflects the Administration’s effort to shift blame for their own failures.”
The attorneys further commented: “On the eve of our nation’s Independence Day, Americans should be deeply concerned by the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen based on a concocted narrative. The justice system exists to determine facts, not to provide political cover.”
In a Truth Social post on June 20, criticizing the supposed vandals, Trump stated: “Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Work will begin immediately on its repair.”
He also cautioned that those who vandalize public property could face up to ten years in prison.
Despite facing formal charges, Hearn maintains his innocence, telling the New York Post: “By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.”
He further expressed to the Daily Mail: “It’s a completely unfounded accusation. We’ve already heard many lies from this administration…That’s just another lie.”