- Trump is reportedly pushing the Department of Justice to reopen the case against David Hearn after charges were dropped, following his public criticism of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping the charges, stating she 'choked' and should 'revisit her hastily made decision'.
- House Judiciary Democrats launched a probe into the handling of the case by Jeanine Pirro and Doug Burgum, questioning the initial felony vandalism charges against Hearn, which were later dismissed.
- Interior officials wrote to the contractor as early as June 11 complaining that the pool liner was peeling, more than a week before Hearn's arrest.
- David Hearn was arrested and later indicted on felony vandalism charges, with Pirro initially claiming there was 'tremendous evidence' against him.
- Pirro moved to drop the charges, admitting that the damage was due to 'botched installation' rather than vandalism, which led to a judge recommending dismissal of the case.
- Judge overseeing the case recommended dismissal and will hold a hearing on whether the dismissal is 'with prejudice', which would prevent future charges against Hearn.
House Judiciary Democrats are investigating the dismissal of felony vandalism charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian, after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro reversed her initial claims of evidence against him. The charges were dropped following revelations that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was due to a botched installation rather than vandalism.12356
Rep. Jamie Raskin has demanded communications between Pirro and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, questioning the integrity of the prosecution. He stated, “How did this debacle happen? Why was Mr. Hearn charged with committing a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison when the government knew he was innocent?”
The investigation is fueled by concerns that the Department of the Interior misled prosecutors to cover up a “botched” renovation by a company awarded a $15 million no-bid contract. Raskin criticized the selection process, stating, “The conclusion seems inescapable that at least one, if not both, of you have misled the American public.”
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Pirro for dropping the charges, insisting she should “revisit her hastily made decision.” He has also suggested that a “highly credible witness” saw Hearn vandalizing the pool, despite evidence indicating otherwise. The Department of Justice is now exploring whether to pursue additional charges against Hearn, despite admissions from officials that the damage was likely due to installation errors.
Hearn's legal team has stated, “The government is continuing to attack an innocent man,” providing evidence that he caused no damage to the Reflecting Pool.
“Raskin's letters demand communications between Pirro's and Burgum's offices and the White House, plus all grand jury materials. He cites a $15 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings and an email from June 11 showing the liner was peeling before Hearn's arrest.”
independent.co.uk
