- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has dropped the vandalism case against Olympian David Hearn after a timeline revealed construction flaws that plagued the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- The pool renovation was reported to have cost $16 million, with $14.2 million allocated to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
- On June 9, 2026, Park Police responded to reports of pool damage, which included roughly 70 fence posts thrown into the pool.
- A quality control inspector noted 'blistering in finished portions of the lining' on May 20, 2026, indicating ongoing issues with the renovation.
- The project faced significant delays, with a contractor stating on May 7, 2026 that it was 'significantly behind schedule.'
- The renovation project was plagued with construction issues and delays from its start in April, which contributed to the decision to dismiss the case against Hearn.
- Documents from the Department of the Interior revealed that extensive construction issues undermined the evidence for the original indictment against Hearn.
- The motion to dismiss indicated that damage to the pool in June was the result of flawed installation by the contractor, rather than vandalism.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropped the vandalism case against Olympian David Hearn, citing significant construction flaws in the $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The project faced numerous issues, including poor installation and delays, which complicated the prosecution's case.12
Documents revealed that the damage to the pool was primarily due to flawed installation by the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, rather than vandalism. The motion to dismiss charges indicated that the rush to complete the project led to hasty and botched work. If the Department of the Interior had provided information sooner, the indictment against Hearn may not have been pursued.78
The timeline of the renovation shows that by June 9, 2026, Park Police responded to reports of damage, including a caulk cut with a sharp knife and the destruction of surface material. The U.S. Attorney's office noted that nearly all of the damage was due to vandalism, with only a small portion attributed to other causes. The case's dismissal highlights the complexities surrounding the renovation project and the challenges faced by prosecutors in proving felony vandalism.36
The Reflecting Pool renovation has been marred by controversy, with the project plagued by delays and construction issues from its inception in April. The total cost of the renovation has risen to $16 million, raising questions about the management and oversight of federal projects.
“Prosecutors' 16-page motion blamed Atlantic Industrial Coatings' flawed installation and 'the rush to complete the project' for the pool damage, saying Interior Department delays undermined the indictment. Separately, Washington wildfires destroyed about 700 buildings, and In-N-Out manager Ashley Garibay, 23, was identified among those killed in Saturday's Twin Falls shooting.”
CBS News
