Former Olympian Denies Vandalism Charges at Reflecting Pool

WHO:

NBC News Politics - President Donald Trump is involved in the situation regarding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

TMZ - David Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympian and former Olympic canoeist, is the individual arrested.

Fox News Sports - David Hearn is identified as 67 years old.

WHAT:

NBC News Politics - David Hearn was arrested and charged with destruction of government property.

TMZ - Hearn is accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

BBC - Contractors inspected the pool and indicated that they "will probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs."

WHERE:

NBC News Politics - The incident occurred at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

BBC - Contractors inspected the pool on a Saturday.

WHY:

NBC News Politics - President Trump threatened years in jail for anyone who vandalizes the Reflecting Pool.

HOW:

NBC News Politics - Hearn allegedly reached into the water to touch a piece of peeling paint, which led to his arrest.

(UPDATED June 21, 2026 13:28 UTC)

President Trump is currently involved in a situation regarding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where 67-year-old David Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympian and former Olympic canoeist, has been arrested and charged with destruction of government property for allegedly vandalizing the pool. Contractors have inspected the Reflecting Pool and indicated that they will probably need to release and drain much of the water to carry out necessary repairs. Hearn reportedly reached into the water to touch a piece of peeling paint, which ultimately led to his arrest, and Trump has threatened years in jail for anyone who vandalizes this national landmark.