Olympian Davey Hearn Denies Vandalizing Washington's Reflecting Pool After Arrest

Sun Jun 21 2026 12:53:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn insists he did not damage the newly renovated pool, while police say he was arrested for vandalism. A controversy erupts as the pool remains in trouble after a costly makeover.

David "Davey" Hearn, a three‑time Olympian, was detained at the Washington DC Reflecting Pool on Friday after he touched a strip of rubbery material during a bike ride. He claims he merely removed his glove to feel the surface and that no paint or structure was altered. Police charged him with destruction of government property, while Hearn says he was arbitrarily prosecuted for a brief contact with a deteriorated paint layer. The pool, 6,190 feet long, has suffered from leaks, algae and peeling paint since a $13 million refurbishment, provoking criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the project.

Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest

David Hearn, a 67‑year‑old champion canoeist, tells BBC News he merely touched a rubber strip at the pool’s edge while biking and did not harm the property. The park police arrested him for alleged vandalism and charged him with destruction of government property.

The incident occurred on Friday after Hearn was stopped by US Park Police and National Guard troops near the water’s edge. He says the rubber material had delaminated and he only briefly touched it. He insists the pool’s condition did not change when he left.

Hearn claims the arrest was an arbitrary prosecution made to set a public example. He was handcuffed for about five hours, unable to phone, and he says no paint was destroyed or removed.

The Reflecting Pool, stretching 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has faced chronic issues such as leaks, algae growth and recent paint peeling. A $13 million refurbishment finished last year has not stopped new problems from surfacing.

President Trump promoted the makeover, highlighting the pool’s “beautiful” appearance and signaling a wash‑out of algae. He has claimed that vandals poured corrosive chemicals into the water and used blades in the lawn, though no evidence supports those accusations.

Hearn stands behind a background of Olympic medals and river‑boat designs. He states he simply observed the condition of the pool and was not involved in any vandalism. He sees the pool as a pretty reflective surface despite its colour, and insists his brief touch did not affect its integrity.