Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Former Olympian Seeks Watchdog Probes of Pool Renovation Case
David Hearn is a former Olympic canoeist who was accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool’s liner.
Prosecutors later dropped the case.
They said records pointed to a problem with how a contractor installed the liner.
Hearn’s lawyers want government watchdogs to investigate both the pool work and the criminal case.
They say officials had information about the installation problem before charging him.
The Interior Department disputes part of their account, saying Hearn admitted to tampering.
But the document cited by the department does not record such an admission.
The pool had to be drained again after July 4 celebrations for repairs.
David Hearn’s lawyers asked Interior and Justice Department inspectors general to investigate the Reflecting Pool renovation and his dismissed vandalism case.
Hearn was charged July 2 with damaging part of the pool liner; prosecutors moved to dismiss the case on July 31.
Prosecutors said documents showed the damage was likely caused by a contractor’s flawed installation.
Hearn’s lawyers allege prosecutors knew of installation problems when they charged him and allege political pressure influenced the case.
The Interior Department spokesperson said Hearn admitted tampering, but the cited court document contains no such admission.
- Who
- David Hearn, his lawyers, and the Interior and Justice Department inspector general offices.
- What
- Hearn’s lawyers requested investigations into the Reflecting Pool renovation and the dismissed vandalism prosecution.
- When
- The lawyers submitted their letter on Tuesday, October 6; Hearn was charged July 2, and prosecutors moved to dismiss the case July 31.
- Where
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- Why
- Hearn’s lawyers allege wrongdoing in the renovation and prosecution, including that officials proceeded despite evidence the liner damage may have resulted from faulty installation.
Hearn’s lawyers
Government responses
Whether the prosecution was justified
Hearn’s lawyers
Hearn’s lawyers allege prosecutors had evidence of installation flaws when they charged him and urge an inquiry into possible political pressure.
Government responses
Prosecutors said they learned of more pervasive renovation problems only after Hearn was indicted.
Whether Hearn admitted tampering
Hearn’s lawyers
The court document cited in the report does not record an admission by Hearn.
Government responses
An Interior Department spokesperson said Hearn admitted to officers that he tampered with the pool, citing a court document.
- Defendant
- David Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist
- Charge
- Destroying a piece of the Reflecting Pool liner
- Charge filed
- July 2
- Dismissal request
- The U.S. attorney moved to dismiss the case on July 31
- Pool length
- About 2,000 feet (610 meters)
- Renovation issue
- Prosecutors said the damage was likely caused by a contractor’s flawed liner installation
- Requested reviews
- Investigations by the inspectors general for the Interior and Justice departments