U.S. prosecutors are moving to drop a felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, saying the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by faulty repair work, not malicious intent. In a motion filed Friday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said she would seek dismissal of the charge.
Hearn had been accused of tearing up a small square of new blue lining from the renovated pool. President Donald Trump had previously blamed "sick" vandals for the damage. But prosecutors now say contractors were responsible for a "botched installation" that led to the damage, contradicting the president's account.
The charge against Hearn is expected to be dismissed following the motion.