The Justice Department dismissed the case against former Olympian David Hearn on Friday, ending a lawsuit that had alleged he vandalized the Lincoln Reflecting Pool.
Hearn, a three‑time Olympic canoeist, had been arrested last month and charged with misdemeanor destruction of property, and earlier this month a grand jury indicted him on felony charges that could carry up to ten years in prison.
The indictment was issued by a grand jury in the District of Columbia Superior Court.
The U.S. Attorney’s office had previously stated that Hearn had violently removed the sealant from the pool, but later acknowledged that the damage resulted from a flawed installation by the contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
The contractor had rushed to finish the project before events related to the America 250 celebration near Independence Day 2026.
Hearn denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.
Hearn’s attorneys said the case should never have been brought and that its dismissal does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging him.
They added that the government’s approach was ready, fire, aim, and that the administration owes Hearn an apology.
