The Justice Department moved on Friday, August 1st, 2026, to dismiss felony destruction of property charges against former Olympian David Hearn in connection with alleged vandalism of the Reflecting Pool. The department concluded that damage to the pool’s lining was caused by a “rushed and botched installation,” not by vandalism as prosecutors had alleged.

Hearn was indicted earlier in August after prosecutors accused him of “forcefully and violently” ripping about two square feet of the pool’s liner. However, the DOJ’s recent filing found the damage stemmed from construction faults.

Despite the DOJ’s conclusion, the Trump administration rejected the findings, maintaining that vandalism was responsible for the botched multi-million dollar renovation.

Democrats seized on the dismissal to criticize the administration. Illinois Governor Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) stated on X that “maliciously prosecuted clearly innocent people like David Hearn should have remedies against federal officials who unconscionably target them.”

Congressman Ted Lieu also responded to comments by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, saying, “The court filing from Trump’s own Justice Dept proves it. The DOJ admitted the Reflecting Pool failed because of shoddy contracting work. This calls into question how much of what you said are lies.”

The case has intensified Democratic claims that the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department against perceived enemies, with the dismissal seen as validating those concerns.

Sources