Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, 67, pleaded not guilty to felony property destruction charges related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The incident, which Hearn's defense calls an abuse of power, occurred when he allegedly damaged the pool's newly renovated coating. Hearn claims he was only examining the peeled sealant when instructed by a park worker.

Prosecutors allege Hearn caused over $1,000 in damage by ripping sealant from the pool and acting belligerently. The Reflecting Pool's renovation, a project initiated by President Donald Trump, has been plagued by issues including algae blooms and peeling coating. Trump has alleged vandals are responsible for the damage.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Carmen Mc Lean released Hearn without supervision pending a status hearing on August 5. Hearn's attorneys criticized the prosecution, calling the evidence weak and the indictment a political maneuver to shift blame for the project's failures. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse to show solidarity.