Former Olympian Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Damage Charge at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoe racer from Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to one felony count of property destruction in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn was indicted the prior week on the charge, which alleges he caused more than $1,000 in damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19.

Prosecutors said he ripped recently installed sealant from the pool. Judge Carmen McLean released Hearn without court supervision pending trial. A status hearing was set for August 5. The prosecutor requested only a stay-away order.

Hearn has said he reached into the pool during a 64-mile bike ride to examine a piece of detached liner out of curiosity and let go when directed by a park worker. His attorneys described the government's evidence as weak and based on a concocted narrative.

At least three other people have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the same pool and pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

The Reflecting Pool underwent a $13 million to $16 million renovation ahead of the country's 250th independence celebrations. The project has faced issues including algae blooms and peeling coating. U.S.

Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that vandalizing the nation's monuments is an affront to shared history and that the law applies equally to everyone. Defense attorney Norman Eisen said after the hearing that every American should be alarmed about the prosecution and that it is not a crime to touch the Reflecting Pool.

Dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse and chanted Hearn's name as he left.

Adam Van Grack, chair of the U.S. Olympic national governing body for canoe and kayak sports, said Hearn has spent decades maintaining National Park Service property along the Potomac River.