Former Olympic canoeist pleads not guilty over Reflecting Pool damage

Former US Olympic canoeist David "Davey" Hearn pleaded not guilty to a felony charge accusing him of damaging the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the high-profile case becomes entwined with political debate over President Donald Trump's Washington renovation projects.

Hearn, 67, appeared before the Superior Court in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, where his attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf, as per Reuters. He is accused of intentionally damaging part of the Reflecting Pool's liner during an incident on June 19.

Hearn denies damaging pool liner

Federal prosecutors allege Hearn deliberately pulled at the newly installed liner, causing more than $1,000 in damage to the landmark.

Hearn, however, has acknowledged touching a section of the liner while cycling near the Reflecting Pool but maintains it was already partially detached and insists he did not remove or damage any material.

Judge Carmen McLean ordered Hearn released without any conditions following the brief hearing.

After leaving court, Hearn was greeted by supporters chanting his name as his legal team continued to deny the allegations.

Defence calls prosecution politically motivated

Hearn's attorney, Norm Eisen, criticised the case, arguing the former Olympian had done nothing criminal.

"If Mr. Hearn can be charged with a felony for touching the Reflecting Pool, every American is at risk," Eisen told supporters outside the courthouse, describing the prosecution as politically driven.

His legal team has argued the charges are an attempt by the Trump administration to divert attention from problems surrounding the Reflecting Pool's renovation.

Reflecting Pool renovation sparks controversy

The 2,000-foot Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recently refurbished with an "American flag blue" liner at Trump's request as part of preparations for the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.

Soon after reopening, the renovation drew criticism after algae blooms turned the water green and sections of the blue liner began peeling away.

Trump blamed the issues on vandals, alleging they had sabotaged the project by damaging the liner and introducing chemicals into the water.

While authorities have charged several people with misdemeanour offences related to peeling pieces of the liner, no one has been formally accused of causing the broader damage Trump described.

Hearn faces felony charge

The felony destruction of property charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

According to the Department of the Interior, at least six people have been arrested in connection with suspected vandalism at the Reflecting Pool since the renovation.

The site has since been fenced off and monitored by US Park Police and National Guard personnel, while officials say the pool will require further repairs after the holiday celebrations.