Former Olympic Racer Claims He Was Wrongfully Arrested for ‘Inspecting’ Renovated Lincoln Memorial Pool

David Hearn, 67, a former U.S. Olympian, denied on Monday that he damaged government property after reaching into the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to inspect part of its liner.

Hearn stated he was never advised of his Miranda rights during detention by U.S. Park Police for nearly five hours. He said he was not allowed to contact anyone while in custody and was held “incommunicado.”

Hearn, who stopped at the Reflecting Pool during a 52-mile bicycle ride, noticed a section of the pool’s new “American flag blue” liner had become partially detached from the bottom. He reached into the water to feel it before being detained.

“I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn said. “I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.”

Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, stated that the two misdemeanor citations issued against his client have no legal basis and that they would contest the charges vigorously: “There’s no basis for this. It’s not a federal crime to touch water.”

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that multiple individuals had been arrested on suspicion of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, which has faced criticism after algae growth and peeling paint were discovered following its multimillion-dollar renovation.

Hearn is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9.