Former US Olympian David Hearn seeks federal watchdog probes after vandalism charges dropped

On October 6, 2026, attorneys for former US Olympian David Hearn requested that the inspectors general of the Departments of Justice and Interior investigate his arrest and prosecution for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Hearn was indicted in July but charges were dropped after evidence showed the damage was caused by a contractor's flawed installation. A judge dismissed the case with prejudice on October 1. The attorneys allege political pressure and misconduct by officials, including US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and call for accountability.