• David Hearn, a former US Olympic canoeist, indicted for vandalism.
• He is charged with causing over $1,000 in damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
• The incident occurred during a bike ride on June 19, 2026.
• US Attorney Jeanine Pirro describes the act as "deliberate" and "violent."
• President Trump claimed multiple arrests were made related to this vandalism.

Former Olympian David Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The indictment stems from an incident that occurred on June 19, 2026, when Hearn is accused of pulling up recently installed sealant, causing over $1,000 worth of damage, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.

At a press conference, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described Hearn's actions as "forcefully and violently" damaging a national landmark, implying that the act was both deliberate and belligerent, particularly towards an employee who intervened. She asserted that the case is well-supported by evidence, highlighting that other arrests have also occurred alongside this incident, according to Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.

Hearn, who is 67 years old and owns a composite materials company, contended that he only touched the coating in curiosity while on a long bike ride, and claimed he was detained for five hours by law enforcement after the incident. He stated, "I’m a curious citizen," explaining his intent in examining the peeling coating, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

President Trump has publicly commented on the situation, indicating frustration over the maintenance issues with the Reflecting Pool renovation project he had initiated. He mentioned that several arrests were made in connection with the vandalism, but did not specify the details. His administration continues to address ongoing repairs to the pool, which have faced challenges since its multimillion-dollar restoration, according to South China Morning Post and Le Monde.