The administration of US President Donald Trump has filed felony charges against a former Olympic athlete for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.

At a news conference on Thursday, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro accused professional canoeist David Hearn, 67, of deliberately vandalizing the pool. "Today, a grand jury has returned a felony indictment against a defendant, David Hearn, for felony destruction of property, for which he faces 10 years in prison," Pirro said.

Pirro called the destruction of national monuments "one of the most offensive images" she has ever seen. "This unchecked vandalism and civil disorder turns into criminal behavior, and that's why we're here today," she added.

However, in media interviews, Hearn has denied any vandalism, saying he was simply curious about the Reflecting Pool when he visited on June 19. He denies removing any part of the pool's lining.

The Reflecting Pool had been the subject of a renovation effort Trump began in April, awarding a no-bid contract to seal and resurface the pool in "American flag blue." But soon after reopening in early June, it suffered an algae bloom and peeling paint.

Faced with criticism, Trump countered that vandals had sabotaged the pool. At least seven people, including Hearn, have been arrested. A hearing in Hearn's case is scheduled for July 9.

Source: www.aljazeera.com