White House Urges Justice Department to Revisit Charges Against Olympic Athlete in Lincoln Memorial Case

The White House has reportedly asked the Department

The White House has reportedly asked the Department of Justice to consider reinstating charges against a former Olympic competitor accused of defacing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, according to an individual with knowledge of the matter. This move seeks to breathe new life into a case that has drawn President Donald Trump's ire since a federal prosecutor, who is an ally of the president, dropped the charges over insufficient evidence.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, dismissed the case against David Hearn on July 31, pointing to a contractor's faulty installation as the cause. In a detailed 20-page filing that accompanied the dismissal, Pirro's office noted that evidence indicated the pool's damage existed prior to Hearn's visit, making it challenging to prove the damage was deliberate vandalism beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hearn, who has consistently maintained his innocence, ex…

Hearn, who has consistently maintained his innocence, explained that he merely dipped his hand into the water to touch a piece of lining that was already loose during a bike ride in June. The case has now become a point of contention, with the White House pushing for a reconsideration of the charges, though it remains unclear if the Justice Department will comply with the request.