White House officials have approached the Justice Department to consider whether new criminal charges can be brought against David Hearn, a former Olympian previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool. This follows the dismissal of an indictment against Hearn earlier this month. Sources familiar with the discussions have shared this information.
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, initially charged Hearn with felony destruction of government property, citing over $1,000 in damages to sealant in the Reflecting Pool. This project was championed by former President Trump. The Wall Street Journal had reported the talks between the Justice Department and the White House.
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the indictment citing evidence pointing to a “botched installation” by a contractor as the cause of damage, rather than vandalism. President Trump criticized the decision on Truth Social, asserting vandals were responsible for the major damage, despite contractor difficulties.
Following criticism from Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Pirro was seen at the White House with evidence gathered from the Interior Department, which reportedly cleared Hearn and others from vandalism charges. A D.C. Superior Court judge formally dismissed the case but did not decide whether the dismissal was with or without prejudice. Briefing on this matter is scheduled for late summer and early fall.
Discussions between the White House and the Justice Department’s Criminal Division focused on reintroducing the case potentially as a misdemeanor, which would not require a grand jury. These conversations were exploratory, with no decisions made.
Prosecutors also dropped charges against three other defendants accused of misdemeanors related to the pool’s damage. They were charged with vandalism involving property damage valued below $1,000.
Michael Bromwich, Hearn’s attorney, expressed challenges in understanding efforts to revive a dismissed case. He argued that no evidence supports charging Hearn and suggested the Department of Justice should focus on actual criminal activity instead of pursuing a case against Hearn.