Olympic Canoeist Indicted for Vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Pool

A U.S. Olympic canoeist was charged after allegedly vandalizing the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. David Hahn, 67, faced court arraignment following the indictment from a federal grand jury, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Pirro claimed that Hahn deliberately caused severe damage to the pool’s sealant on June 19, shortly after renovations commissioned by President Donald Trump were completed.

During a media briefing, Pirro stated, “A grand jury has indicted David Hahn on felony charges for criminal damage to property, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence.” She highlighted that Hahn acknowledged reaching into the pool, and that National Park Service officials observed him forcefully pulling up the liner.

Officials reportedly instructed Hahn to cease his actions, but he responded by confronting the staff, accusing them of caring too much about the pool. Witnesses described his attitude as “belligerent and disrespectful.”

Hahn, who represented the U.S. at the 2000 Olympics, later spoke with the Washington Post, rejecting accusations of destruction. “I didn’t destroy anything. I didn’t break or strip anything. By the time I realized what was happening, I was handcuffed,” he said.

While some have criticized the renovation of the reflecting pool, others argue it was a necessary effort for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, aimed at restoring the monument.

Pirro added that there are about six other similar cases under investigation. “Some might lead to misdemeanors; all cases are reviewed based on the evidence,” she remarked.