Judge ends case against Olympian accused of Reflecting Pool vandalism
A Washington DC judge has permanently dismissed a criminal case against Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool. The judge cited concerns that the Trump administration might attempt to revive the meritless case due to political pressure.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights concerns regarding the potential politicization of the US Justice Department and the independence of the judiciary.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu Washington Bloomberg via Getty Images David Hearn outside court in July 2026 A judge in Washington DC has dismissed the criminal case against an Olympian accused by the Trump administration of vandalising the Reflecting Pool.
Judge Todd Edelman ordered the case against David Hearn dismissed "with prejudice", meaning US prosecutors cannot refile the case.
The US Justice Department had dropped the case after new evidence emerged, but Hearn's lawyers expressed concern that US President Donald Trump could pressure prosecutors to revive it.
Issues with the pool were the result of a "rushed and botched" job by contractors, the government found, but Trump has repeatedly claimed it was due to vandalism and urged prosecutors to target Hearn, citing donations to Democrats.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
The government can't revive Hearn's Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, a judge rules
Judge permanently dismisses Reflecting Pool case against former Olympian, citing Trump pressure
Judge bars U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro from charging ex-Olympian in Reflecting Pool case
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