A former US Olympian canoeist has pleaded not guilty to charges of vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC. David 'Davey' Hearn, 67, is accused of causing £750 worth of damage to the pool, which is part of a multi-million dollar resealing and painting project.
The project, championed by former US President Donald Trump, aimed to beautify the capital city and address structural failures and leaks at the monument. However, despite the makeover, which cost an estimated £9.8m, the pool has continued to be plagued by problems, including algae growth and pieces of the blue sealant peeling off within days.
Hearn's attorneys have accused the Trump administration of charging their client in an effort to shift blame for the site's problems. 'If Mr Hearn can be charged with a felony for touching the Reflecting Pool, every American is at risk', said Norm Eisen, one of Hearn's attorneys, outside the courthouse.
The US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, alleged that Hearn 'ripped' a piece of the recently installed sealant in a 'deliberate act' to cause damage on 19 June. However, Hearn previously told the BBC that he 'didn't destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part' of the paint.
Five people have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the Reflecting Pool, and five others have been issued federal citations. Hearn is due to appear in court again on 5 August.