Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Three More People Accused of Vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

In a recent development, prosecutors in Washington, D.C. have moved to dismiss charges against three more people accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This comes after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro abruptly dropped felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn on Friday, citing a ‘botched installation’ as the cause of the damage.

The Reflecting Pool, which cost the government approximately $15 million to renovate this year, has been at the center of controversy since its completion. The pool’s newly installed blue sealant began to peel and turn green due to an overgrowth of algae, with some pieces of the liner floating to the surface. Former Olympian David Hearn was arrested after he allegedly reached in to touch a piece of the liner, sparking a grand jury indictment on July 2.

Hearn was the only individual to face felony charges, while the three cases dropped involved misdemeanor charges for destruction of property less than $1,000. The three individuals, Justin Carreno, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Cameron Thiers, were relieved to hear the news of the dropped charges.

Thiers’ attorney, G. Allen Dale, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the case ‘probably shouldn’t have been brought in the first place.’ Jamison Koehler, a lawyer for Dennison-Gibby, shared similar sentiments, but expressed concern that charges could be filed again due to the ‘petty and manipulative’ nature of the administration.

The controversy surrounding the Reflecting Pool has been ongoing, with President Trump criticizing U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping the charges against Hearn. Trump claimed that authorities had arrested six people (and cited seven more) for vandalism of the pool, stating that the damage was done by ‘a very sharp knife or razors.’

Pirro, however, has maintained that the damage was caused by a ‘botched installation’ and that she was misled by the Department of the Interior into believing ‘nearly all of the damage’ was done by vandals. The Reflecting Pool has not yet been refilled since its renovation, with the government draining it to fix the peeling liner and algae issue.

The ongoing controversy has sparked debate and discussion among the public, with many expressing concern over the administration’s handling of the situation. As the case continues to unfold, one thing remains certain: the Reflecting Pool has become a symbol of the complexities and challenges faced by the nation’s capital.

Timeline of Events

• July 2: Grand jury indictment of David Hearn for vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
• Friday: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro drops felony charges against David Hearn, citing a ‘botched installation’ as the cause of the damage.
• Monday: President Trump criticizes U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping the charges against Hearn, stating that she ‘folded like an umbrella.’