David Hearn faces felony charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a renovation project led by the administration.
The administration announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained to repair damage caused by vandals. President Trump stated that the pool suffered a massive gash from a blade and corrosive chemicals, leading the White House to search for a "vandal proof material" to ensure the landmark lasts for a century. The renovation project, which ballooned from an initial $1.5 million estimate to over $16 million, was intended to be completed by the nation's 250th anniversary. However, the new "American flag blue" coating began peeling and suffered from an algae bloom shortly after completion. Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on a felony destruction of property charge following a June 19 incident. Hearn pleaded not guilty, claiming he only touched a loose piece of the peeling coating out of curiosity. While the administration blames vandals for the issues, critics suggest the damage may stem from shoddy repair work. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed that the plan is to repair the vandalism and refill the pool.