In brief
Three-time Olympic slalom canoeist Davey Hearn was arrested last week on accusations of vandalising Washington’s Reflecting Pool. He maintains he only touched a piece of rubbery material that was already peeling and that no paint or structural damage occurred. The incident has reignited scrutiny over the recent $13‑million makeover that launched algae, paint‑peeling and structural concerns. President Trump’s comments have further inflamed the controversy, leading to a political backlash and questions of proportionality of the police response. The case exposes the tensions between historic preservation, public access and the political spotlight over national monuments.
Former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn is facing a misdemeanor charge after police said he vandalised Washington’s Reflecting Pool. Hearn, 67, told BBC News he was merely touching a strip of rubbery material that already appeared to be delaminating. He insists no paint or structural elements were damaged.
The incident occurred when Hearn was being dismissed from the pool after completing a long bike ride. Police detained him for about five hours, following reports that he had brushed—or perhaps inadvertently moved—some equipment near the work area.
Hearn’s account is shedding more light on the ponds’ current troubles. The 2,030‑foot pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument has been plagued by leaks, faulty pipes, algae growth and painted‑coat problems, prompting a $13‑million refurbishment that is still facing criticism.
President Donald Trump has used social media to claim that “multiple individuals have vandalised” the pool and that “work will begin immediately on its repair.” He also suggested the paint and algae issues might require draining the water entirely.
While the pool’s new “American Flag Blue” colour was selected by Trump, images after the facelift show green algae overtaking one side and paint peeling on the bottom. Workers have been using vacuums to remove the algae and resting the paint is being buffed back into place.
Hearn calls his arrest an “arbitrary, capricious prosecution.” He argues that the authorities perhaps intended to make an example of him "because someone high up decided to make an example of me".
He spent a week making “no phone calls” while in custody, saying the authorities did not allow him to speak directly about the incident. It remains unclear whether the charges will lead to a formal trial or if Trump will intervene at the political level.
