Case Against David Hearn Reexamined After Dismissal

The White House has requested the Justice Department to consider filing a new criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian. Hearn was previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool. This request follows the recent dismissal of his indictment by federal prosecutors. Multiple sources confirm these discussions are ongoing.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, had initially charged Hearn with felony destruction of government property. He was accused of causing over $1,000 in damage to a sealant applied at the pool. President Trump backed this renovation project.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the discussions about the case. Earlier, prosecutors dismissed the indictment without prejudice. They cited new findings that a contractor’s faulty installation, not vandalism, caused the damage.

President Trump opposed the decision and expressed his views on Truth Social. He stated that despite some contractor issues, the major damage resulted from vandalism. He criticized Pirro’s decision, questioning her judgment.

Pirro faced criticism over a weekend, leading to a visit to the White House. She carried boxes of evidence from the Interior Department, clearing Hearn and others from allegations of vandalism.

Last week, a D.C. Superior Court judge dismissed the case but did not decide whether it was with or without prejudice. Further briefing is scheduled for late summer and early fall.

Discussions between the White House and the Criminal Division took place recently. One source noted they explored bringing the case as a misdemeanor, which might bypass using a grand jury, but no decision has been made.

After Hearn’s charges were dropped, three others facing misdemeanor charges for similar allegations also saw their cases dismissed. They were accused of causing less than $1,000 in damage.

Michael Bromwich, Hearn’s attorney, criticized the efforts to revive the case. He noted the dismissal was due to lack of evidence and expressed that resources should target genuine criminal actions instead of targeting Hearn.