- David Hearn, a two-time whitewater racing world champion and Olympic athlete, pleaded not guilty to a felony count of destruction of property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of causing $1,000 in damage to the recently renovated pool, following a grand jury indictment last week.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro alleges Hearn "woefully destroyed property" and "forcefully and violently" pulled the pool's lining, describing his behavior as belligerent.
- Hearn, who was released on his own recognizance with a next hearing set for August 5, has repeatedly denied vandalizing the monument, stating the damage was already present when he visited.
- His counsel argues the charges are an "outrageous" misuse of government power, reflecting the administration's effort to shift blame for the Lincoln Memorial project's cost overruns and issues.
IN FULL
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