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Ex-Olympian Hearn's Reflecting Pool Trial Set for September

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Todd E. Edelman set the trial of former Olympic athlete David Hearn for September 28 in D.C. Superior Court.
Hearn is the only defendant charged with a felony for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
He pleaded not guilty, claiming he only touched a peeling blue strip out of curiosity.
The $16 million renovation, part of a $1.2 billion Washington construction program, drew criticism for its price and aggressive algae removal.

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Story summary

Judge Todd E. Edelman set the trial of former Olympic athlete David Hearn for September 28 in D.C. Superior Court.
Hearn is the only defendant charged with a felony for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
He pleaded not guilty, claiming he only touched a peeling blue strip out of curiosity.
The $16 million renovation, part of a $1.2 billion Washington construction program, drew criticism for its price and aggressive algae removal.