Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 20
Park Police Arrest 7 at Lincoln Reflecting Pool as Ex-Olympian, 67, Denies Vandalism
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 20

Park Police Arrest 7 at Lincoln Reflecting Pool as Ex-Olympian, 67, Denies Vandalism

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 20

Summary

  • Seven people were detained in separate Friday incidents at the newly refurbished Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including former three-time Olympian David Hearn, 67, on a misdemeanor destruction-of-government-property charge.
  • Hearn told The Washington Post he had just finished a 52-mile bike ride, saw a partially detached liner piece and reached into the water to feel it, insisting he "didn't vandalize anything."
  • Emily Miller's video showed Hearn being handcuffed after questioning a National Guardsman; she said he grabbed a remediation hose, while Hearn said his bike tire may only have touched it.
  • Trump said Park Police arrested multiple people for vandalizing the monument and warned of "years in jail," as security was increased and repairs ordered.
  • The arrests come weeks after a $14.8 million restoration drew scrutiny over algae growth and peeling material at the pool.

Insights

A $14M renovation fails in weeks. Is the cyclist's arrest a legitimate defense of property or a convenient scapegoat?
Was an Olympian arrested to distract from a multi-million dollar project's embarrassing and rapid failure?