David "Davey" Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoe racer, pleaded not guilty in federal court on Thursday to charges of vandalizing the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors allege he pulled at the pool's liner on June 19, causing over $1,000 in damage, and charged him with destruction of government property, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

Hearn denied the allegations, claiming he touched a section of liner that was already peeling away during a bike ride but did not remove or damage it. He said he stopped when a park employee told him to.

Hearn's lawyers argue the prosecution is an attempt by the Trump administration to deflect blame for a botched renovation. "This indictment reflects the administration’s effort to shift blame for their own failures," they stated.

The $14.7 million renovation, ordered by President Trump, reopened in June but quickly saw algae blooms and peeling liner. Trump blamed vandals without evidence, alleging corrosive chemicals were used. The pool's problems persist, with Trump acknowledging it will need to be drained again for repairs.

The hearing drew a packed courtroom, with dozens of supporters waiting outside. At least six people have been arrested on suspicion of vandalizing the pool since its reopening.

Source: www.aljazeera.com