US prosecutors have dropped vandalism charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after concluding that damage to Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was probably caused by flawed contractor work, rather than visitors. The reversal is significant because Hearn faced up to 10 years in prison and had been publicly accused amid President Trump’s campaign to improve the capital before America’s 250th independence anniversary.

A court filing said the installation had been rushed and botched to meet July 2026 event deadlines, and prosecutors said they learned this only after receiving Interior Department documents. The resealing and painting project cost an estimated $16m (£12m), far above its original budget of under $2m, yet blue sealant began peeling within days and algae problems continued. At least three other people were charged and five received citations, although it is unclear whether all cases have been dismissed.