David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer and three-time US Olympian, pleaded not guilty on July 9, 2026, to a felony charge of property destruction involving Washington’s reflecting pool. The incident occurred after a $14.7 million renovation project that included installing an “American flag blue” liner at the request of former President Donald Trump for the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Hearn appeared in local superior court in Washington DC to enter his plea after being criminally charged over the incident in mid-June. The charge alleges that he damaged the pool’s lining material, with prosecutors claiming he "forcefully and violently" pulled up and removed the bottom liner, causing over $1,000 in damage.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court, carrying signs with slogans such as “Free Davey” and chanting his name as he and his legal team, led by attorney Norm Eisen, exited the hearing.
Eisen, who is also executive chair of the Democracy Defenders Fund, addressed the crowd stating the case “should never have been brought.” He added, “If Mr Hearn could be charged with a felony for touching the reflecting pool, every American is at risk and every American should be alarmed about this prosecution.” Eisen further accused the administration of attempting to scapegoat Hearn and shift blame for their own failures, asserting that the evidence will prove Hearn’s innocence.
The reflecting pool, a 2,000-foot-long centerpiece of the National Mall, was refurbished with the distinctive liner as part of the nation’s independence celebrations. The case has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the location and the defendant’s Olympic background.
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