Trump administration drops Reflecting Pool vandalism charge and admits 'botched' repairs
US prosecutors have dropped vandalism charges against a former Olympian after determining that damage to the Washington DC Reflecting Pool was caused by flawed contractor installation. The Trump administration had previously blamed the damage on vandals, leading to false accusations against several individuals.
Why it matters
This highlights issues of government accountability and the potential for false public accusations by high-level officials during infrastructure projects.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza and Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu Getty Images US prosecutors have dropped charges against a former Olympian who had been accused of vandalising the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC, writing in court documents that the damage is now believed to be "the result of flawed installation by the contractor".
President Donald Trump had previously blamed the damage on "sick, deranged" vandals.
But a document filed by prosecutors in Washington DC on Friday says new information "strongly suggests that a rushed and botched installation" job overseen by the US Department of Interior led to the damage.
David Hearn, a champion canoeist, had been facing a 10-year prison sentence if found guilty after his arrest last month.
In a statement, Hearn's lawyers accused the Trump administration of abuse of power, and said it "owes Mr Hearn an apology".
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