NPR
Prosecutors move to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism case, saying 'botched installation' to blame
Friday, July 31, 2026
Prosecutors moved to dismiss charges against David Hearn related to damage at the Reflecting Pool following a $14 million renovation. Hearn was accused of removing a piece of sealant from the pool, but stated he only touched the water out of curiosity. The government attributed the damage to what it described as a faulty installation rather than intentional vandalism.
Original reporting: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/31/nx-s1-5915828/reflecting-pool-david-hearn-dismiss