President Donald Trump intensified his criticism over the dismissal of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool vandalism case. Trump referred to an account by a National Park Service employee who described former Olympian David Hearn as having “violently” damaged the pool’s coating before authorities intervened.
Trump shared a screenshot from court documents on Truth Social. These documents detailed interviews with two National Park Service employees present at the Reflecting Pool when Hearn allegedly approached it.
Hearn initially used his cellphone to take what appeared to be photos or video of damage to the pool,
according to one employee, identified as W-1. The employee claimed Hearn then knelt and used both hands to “violently” rip and tug at a large portion of the pool’s blue coating.
The document stated that a second National Park Service employee was instructed to contact police while the first told Hearn to stop. Hearn reportedly said the employees were “awfully sensitive about the pool” and continued his actions until National Guard soldiers arrived.
Trump highlighted this account to support his argument after prosecutors dismissed the felony charge against Hearn. Trump wrote, “A National Park Service career employee, a highly credible witness, saw David Hearn in broad daylight vandalize the Reflecting Pool.”
The president stated that the employee provided this information to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in early July. Trump suggested other incidents involved “acid-like material” used on new grass beside the pool.
There was allegedly no video proof of these other damages, which included numbers “86 47” reportedly inscribed on the grass.
While acknowledging some contractor errors caused issues during rushed renovations before July 4, Trump stated that these errors were limited.
He confirmed that security measures, including cameras, were being installed and the pool would reopen soon. Trump asked U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to revisit the case after the charge was dropped against Hearn.
Hearn was initially indicted for allegedly damaging the pool’s coating on June 19, with damage costs estimated over $1,000.
Pirro’s office later noted that initial reports lacked detailed records about broader issues with the pool’s installation. Documents showed flaws linked to contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings and pressures to complete the project for America 250 celebrations.
The government requested dismissal of the case without prejudice, allowing for possible future charges. Trump’s challenges to Pirro’s decision continue, stating that the witness account contradicts claims of solely faulty construction.