Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn Speaks Out Amid Reflecting Pool Arrest

The man accused of intentionally vandalizing the Washington, D.C. Reflecting Pool - which has become a bit of a pet project for President Trump - has been identified by government authorities.

And he's an athlete.

David Hearn, 67, who represented the United States in three Summer Olympics, has been accused of intentionally vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, which sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Summer Olympian was seen reaching into the Reflecting Pool. However, he denied vandalizing it.

"I'm a curious citizen," Hearn told the Associated Press. "I reached down to see what it felt like. It was very rubbery."

Hearn has previously faced accusations.

"Now, he has a date to appear in court next month," Fox News reported.

"Hearn was previously arrested by the U.S. Park Police nearly 30 years ago, and ended up beating the charges."

Washington Post had more details on his arrest

The Washington Post had more details on what happened.

"David Hearn had just finished a loop around Hains Point on Friday as part of a 52-mile bike ride when he swung by the Lincoln Memorial to see the refurbished Reflecting Pool for himself," the outlet reported.

"Noticing a piece of the new 'American flag blue' liner that was partially detached from the pool bottom, Hearn said he reached into the water to see what it felt like. Moments later, as the Bethesda man prepared to leave, U.S. Park Police officers arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. He is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9."

The former U.S. Olympian is scheduled to appear in court next month.

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 7:53 AM.