Ex-olympian Cyclist Detained at Reflecting Pool Amid Vandalism Claims

WHO:

The Washington Post - David Hearn, a former Olympian cyclist from Bethesda.

Newsweek - U.S. Park Police, National Guard.

WHAT:

The Washington Post - David Hearn was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.

Newsweek - Video shows Hearn being detained near the Lincoln Memorial.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - The incident occurred at the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial.

Newsweek - The National Guard was deployed during the cleanup of the Reflecting Pool.

WHEN:

The Washington Post - Hearn is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9.

WHY:

The Washington Post - Hearn claimed he reached into the water to feel a piece of the new “American flag blue” liner that was partially detached.

HOW:

The Washington Post - Hearn had just completed a 52-mile bike ride around Hains Point before stopping at the Reflecting Pool.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 19:24 UTC)

David Hearn, a former Olympian cyclist from Bethesda, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after an incident at the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. Video footage shows Hearn being detained by U.S. Park Police, and he is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9. Hearn claimed he reached into the water to feel a piece of the new “American flag blue” liner that was partially detached, having just completed a 52-mile bike ride around Hains Point before stopping at the Reflecting Pool.