Story perspectives
Hearn Charged Over Reflecting Pool Damage, Pleads Not Guilty
7/28/2026
1 of 1
Story summary
- Hearn was charged with a felony for allegedly causing $1,000 in damage to the Reflecting Pool.
- He pleaded not guilty, saying the pool was unchanged after he left, that he only touched a detached coating, and that a government witness testified the pool had substantial preexisting damage.
- President Donald Trump claimed vandals used a knife to slash the pool’s lining, but provided no evidence.
