Story perspectives

DOJ Drops Vandalism Charges Against Ex-Olympian David Hearn

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States Department of Justice dismissed destruction-of-property charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on Friday.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said new evidence and contractor errors made proving vandalism beyond reasonable doubt difficult.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the Virginia contractor for the Reflecting Pool renovation, saw its costs rise to $14.7 million in June.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on July 17 that dropping the case was “pure vandalism.”

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Story summary

The United States Department of Justice dismissed destruction-of-property charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on Friday.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said new evidence and contractor errors made proving vandalism beyond reasonable doubt difficult.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the Virginia contractor for the Reflecting Pool renovation, saw its costs rise to $14.7 million in June.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on July 17 that dropping the case was “pure vandalism.”