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DOJ finds alternative cause for alleged damage to Trump reflecting pool
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
Former US Olympian David Hearn will not face charges over alleged damage to the restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after the Department of Justice concluded that he was not responsible. The case matters because it reverses a high-profile vandalism allegation linked to preparations for Donald Trump’s America 250 celebration.
Government lawyers said newly obtained evidence indicated that the apparent damage resulted from flawed contractor installation and pressure to finish the project quickly, rather than deliberate vandalism. In a 20-page court filing released on Friday, DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro moved to dismiss all charges against Hearn.
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In short
- DOJ says contractor faults caused the pool damage.
- Charges against Olympian David Hearn are being dismissed.
- The pool was restored for America 250 celebrations.
How this story developed
- 3 months ago No further substantiated details were added, while reports indicated that Hearn was expected to avoid prosecution after the Justice Department identified another cause for the apparent damage.
- 3 months ago Prosecutors moved to drop all charges against former Olympian David Hearn after new evidence attributed the marks in the restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to poor contractor installation under time pressure.
- 4 months ago Reports said an Olympian had been accused of damaging a newly installed reflecting pool linked to Donald Trump, although the available account gave no further verified details.
Explained simply
Donald Trump is a former US president and a central figure in American politics. The Department of Justice is the federal government department responsible for enforcing national law and overseeing federal criminal investigations.
A reflecting pool is a shallow ornamental pool, often used as part of the design of a building or public space. When damage is alleged, investigators may examine physical evidence, witness accounts and maintenance records to establish what happened and whether anyone can be held responsible.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “US Olympian accused of vandalizing Trump’s new reflecting pool slated to dodge ALL charges…as DOJ reveals real cause of ‘damage’ on the bottom”.