White House asked DOJ about new Reflecting Pool case against David Hearn

The White House has requested that the Department of Justice evaluate potential new charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Federal prosecutors had moved to dismiss the original vandalism case earlier this month, citing evidence that the damage resulted from a botched installation by a contractor rather than intentional destruction.

The administration's request for the Justice Department to reconsider the case follows the dismissal of those initial charges. The situation centers on whether legal action should proceed against Hearn despite the findings that the damage was caused by third-party contractor error.