politics

White House pushes DoJ to revive reflecting pool case against Olympian

Justice department is asked to weigh new charges against David Hearn after US attorney dropped vandalism charges

White House pushes DoJ to revive reflecting pool case against Olympian

TL;DR

  • The White House has asked the Department of Justice to consider new charges against David Hearn.
  • Hearn was previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
  • US Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropped the charges, citing insufficient evidence and a flawed installation.
  • Pirro's office stated that damage to the pool predated Hearn's visit and could not be attributed to him beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Donald Trump had publicly criticized Pirro for dropping the case.
  • The White House's request is considered extraordinary and raises questions about political interference.
  • Hearn's lawyers called a potential new case a 'bizarre turn' and harassment of an innocent man.