President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the dismissed Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool vandalism case. He highlighted a National Park Service employee’s account that former Olympian David Hearn “violently” damaged the pool’s coating before authorities intervened.
Trump shared a screenshot from court documents on Truth Social. These documents detailed interviews with two National Park Service employees who were present when Hearn approached the Reflecting Pool. According to one employee identified as W-1, Hearn initially used his cellphone to take photos or videos of damage to the pool.
White House Reaction
The White House condemned the incident as “targeted sabotage.” Repairs are delayed beyond the July 4 celebrations. National Park Service workers were seen near a pump placed next to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The document posted by Trump described how Hearn “knelt, placed both hands into the reflecting pool, below the surface of the water, and started to ‘violently’ rip and tug at a large portion of the blue pool coating.” W-1 asked another NPS employee to contact police while instructing Hearn not to touch the coating. Hearn allegedly mocked NPS personnel, accusing them of being “awfully sensitive about the pool.” His actions continued until National Guard soldiers arrived.
Trump cited the witness account to bolster his argument, challenging the federal prosecutors’ decision to dismiss the felony charge against Hearn.
Additional Incidents
Trump claimed other incidents occurred around the Reflecting Pool. These include the use of an “acid-like material” on newly installed grass beside the pool, allegedly engraved with “86 47.” He noted substantial additional damage to the Reflecting Pool, although lacking video evidence.
He acknowledged that contractors were responsible for some problems. He remarked on “contractor error” as crews rushed to complete renovations before July 4. However, he described this damage as limited.
Security Measures
Police reported the incident occurred on Friday at around 3:36 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool on the Lincoln Memorial grounds. Trump declared ongoing work on the pool and mentioned the installation of security cameras.
Trump’s latest comments came days after urging U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to revisit the case. Prosecutors dropped the charge against Hearn, who was indicted in July for felony destruction of property due to alleged actions on June 19.
Pirro’s office reported that initial reports from the Department of the Interior were inadequate before seeking the indictment. Officials later discovered broader issues with the pool coating’s installation.
Documents revealed some Reflecting Pool damage was due to faulty installation by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings. This rush to complete the project preceded the America 250 celebration.
Prosecutors acknowledged that the newly disclosed evidence complicated efforts to prove Hearn’s guilt. They requested dismissal without prejudice, allowing potential future charges.
Trump’s criticism of Pirro continued, further challenging her decision and accusing her of succumbing to pressure.
Hearn’s attorneys maintained the case “should never have been brought,” asserting wrongful arrest and charging.
Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson and Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.
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