Trump administration drops Reflecting Pool vandalism charge and admits 'botched' repairs
US prosecutors have dropped vandalism charges against a former Olympian regarding damage to the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC. The government now admits the damage was caused by a botched installation by contractors rather than criminal activity.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential government overreach and the risks of public officials prematurely blaming individuals for infrastructure failures.
Image source, Getty Images By Max Matza and Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu Published 31 July 2026 Updated 1 hour ago 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.
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