The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial has become the center of a federal investigation after a former U.S. Olympic canoeist was arrested for allegedly damaging the recently renovated landmark in Washington, D.C.

The incident comes just weeks after a multi-million-dollar restoration project was completed, with federal officials investigating damage that they say could require additional repairs.

US Park Police Capture Alleged Vandal of Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympian in whitewater slalom canoeing, was taken into custody Friday by the U.S. Park Police after authorities accused him of vandalizing the iconic Reflecting Pool. Hearn, however, insists he merely touched a section of the pool's liner that had already come loose and did not intentionally damage government property.

President Donald Trump later announced that multiple arrests had been made in connection with what he described as vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding National Mall.

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Former Olympian Denies Damaging Landmark Reflecting Pool

Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, said he was riding his bicycle past the Lincoln Memorial when he noticed part of the Reflecting Pool's blue liner floating in the water.

According to Hearn, he reached down and briefly grabbed the loose material after being drawn to what appeared to be a construction defect.

"I didn't vandalize anything," Hearn told The Washington Post.

He said the liner was already peeling and remained attached to the bottom of the pool when he released it after speaking with a nearby worker. Moments later, members of the National Guard and U.S. Park Police approached him and placed him under arrest.

Video of Arrest

Video of the arrest quickly spread across social media, showing Hearn appearing confused as officers handcuffed him near the memorial.

Authorities detained him for nearly five hours before releasing him. He is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9 to face a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.

See Video of the incident

Trump Blames Vandals Reflecting Pool Damage

President Trump said vandals had poured corrosive chemicals into the Reflecting Pool, damaging its newly installed liner and forcing officials to plan additional repairs.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the vandalism as "a true affront" to Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

He also praised the recently completed renovation project, saying the Reflecting Pool had "never been so beautiful" since it first opened.

The administration has pledged to restore the landmark as quickly as possible while investigators determine exactly what caused the damage.

Officials are also investigating vandalism elsewhere on the National Mall, including large markings displaying the numbers "86 47" etched into nearby grass.

History of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of America's most recognizable landmarks. It officially opened in 1922 as part of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial and was designed by architect Henry Bacon as a centerpiece of the National Mall.

The rectangular pool stretches approximately 2,029 feet (618 meters) long and 167 feet (51 meters) wide, covering nearly 6.75 acres of water.

At its deepest point, the pool is only about 30 inches deep, allowing visitors to enjoy its famous mirror-like reflections of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Over the past century, the Reflecting Pool has served as the backdrop for numerous historic events, including the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

More information about the landmark is available through the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm.

Recent Renovation Faced Challenges

The Trump administration recently completed a $14.8 million restoration project designed to modernize the Reflecting Pool.

The renovation included installing a new blue-colored liner intended to improve the appearance of the water and reduce maintenance. However, officials have acknowledged that persistent algae growth has complicated the project, and reports indicate portions of the liner have begun peeling.

Federal investigators are working to determine whether the current damage resulted from vandalism, construction defects, environmental conditions, or a combination of factors.

Distinguished Canoeing Career

Before his arrest, Hearn built an impressive athletic résumé.

He represented the United States in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Summer Olympics in whitewater slalom canoeing.

Hearn also captured gold medals at the World Championships in 1985 and 1995, earned five world championship silver medals, and was named USA Canoe/Kayak Male Athlete of the Year in 1995.

Despite those accomplishments, he now faces a misdemeanor charge that will be resolved in court later this summer.

Relevant Links

• National Park Service – Lincoln Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/linc/
• National Park Service – National Mall: https://www.nps.gov/nama/
• U.S. Park Police: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/
• Team USA: https://www.teamusa.com/
• The White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/