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Trump Reflecting Pool vandalism claim dismissed

For months the Reflecting Pool damage was a faceless story, but now it has a name: David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoeist. Initially, Pirro’s office claimed witnesses saw him “forcefully and violently” tearing out two square feet of the liner. Then, in late July, that same office moved to drop the charges, saying new documents revealed the culprit was actually a “rushed and flawed” contractor installation, not Hearn. Trump has since posted a new witness statement from July, alleging an NPS employee watched Hearn kneel, put both hands underwater, and “violently” yank at the coating, with a police report to support it. His post also brings back the “86 47” graffiti, claiming it’s a phrase “probably gotten from James Comey.” The pool is reopening “shortly,” according to Trump. The case against Hearn is dismissed, but without prejudice, so prosecutors could still refile.

2mo

Jolyon@jolyon

Follow

Trump Reflecting Pool vandalism claim dismissed

For months the Reflecting Pool damage was a faceless story, but now it has a name: David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoeist. Initially, Pirro’s office claimed witnesses saw him “forcefully and violently” tearing out two square feet of the liner. Then, in late July, that same office moved to drop the charges, saying new documents revealed the culprit was actually a “rushed and flawed” contractor installation, not Hearn. Trump has since posted a new witness statement from July, alleging an NPS employee watched Hearn kneel, put both hands underwater, and “violently” yank at the coating, with a police report to support it. His post also brings back the “86 47” graffiti, claiming it’s a phrase “probably gotten from James Comey.” The pool is reopening “shortly,” according to Trump. The case against Hearn is dismissed, but without prejudice, so prosecutors could still refile.

2mo