Former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn has denied defacing Washington DC’s Reflecting Pool after his arrest at the edge of the historic water feature.
Hearn, 67, was detained by US Park Police and National Guard troops when police officers stopped him near the pool following a long bike ride. He told reporters that he simply removed his cycling glove and touched a section of rubbery material that had supposedly “delaminated” from the pool’s bottom; he insists he did not rip or peel any paint.
President Donald Trump, who promoted the pool’s refurbishment as a highlight of his presidency, publicly blamed vandals for alleged damage, noting that the park may need to drain the pool for repairs. Trump posted the arrest details on Truth Social, calling the offense “serious” and claiming the government property was destroyed.
The Reflecting Pool, which stretches 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has been plagued by leaks, structural decay, algae growth and paint peeling since its construction. A recent multimillion‑dollar resealing and repainting project was intended to address these problems, yet the pool still exhibits green algae and peeling blue paint.
Hearn said he was handcuffed and detained for about five hours and could not make a phone call. He described his arrest as “arbitrary” and “capricious,” and he remains charged with a misdemeanor for destruction of government property.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing efforts to maintain the Reflecting Pool’s condition, with officials continuing to pump green water out and clean the pool’s surface. Despite recent work, visitors and media outlets have documented new algae blooms and paint issues, raising questions about the durability of the latest refurbishment.
Hearn’s case illustrates the complex relationship between individual actions and national monuments, underscoring both the symbolic importance of the Reflecting Pool and the challenges of its upkeep.
