In brief
Former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn was arrested near Washington DC’s Reflecting Pool after stopping to touch a strip of deteriorating material in the pool. Hearn states he merely brushed a piece of rubbery film and denies any vandalism. The incident unfolded when Park Police and National Guard officers detained him for a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. The case has reignited debates over the pool’s recent refurbishment and President Trump’s claims about vandalism.
Former Olympian Arrested Over Reflecting Pool Incident
Former US Olympian 'Davey' Hearn was detained near Washington DC’s Reflecting Pool on Friday after he reportedly stopped to touch a strip of rubbery material that had "delaminated" from the pool’s bottom. Hearn, 67, say he only wanted to see the material, not damage it.
Park Police and National Guard officers arrested the canoeist for a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property, although Hearn insists he did not touch or remove any paint or structure. He has called his arrest an "arbitrary, capricious prosecution" and says the paint and pool condition were unchanged when he left.
The incident has drawn attention to the pool’s recent $13 million refurbishment, which revealed new paint peeling and algae growth. President Trump has posted on Truth Social that the pool was vandalised, claiming that vandals poured corrosive chemicals into the water and tore the lawn. The officials involved have not yet commented on the charges.
Hearn, who competed three times in Olympic slalom canoeing and holds two world championships, is reportedly giving a press briefing at the Navy Pier where a video of his arrest has circulated online. He says the event "has stained my reputation" and that he will continue to defend the pool’s integrity.
