Olympian Pleads Not Guilty to Damaging Reflecting Pool

David Hearn, a three-time US Olympian in canoe racing, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a felony charge of property destruction concerning the National Mall's reflecting pool. The incident allegedly occurred in mid-June, following a $14.7 million renovation project for the iconic landmark. Hearn was indicted last week on the single count of property destruction and entered his plea in Washington DC's local superior court. He is accused of damaging the 'American flag blue' lining material at the bottom of the reflecting pool. The indictment marks a significant legal development for the former athlete, who represented the United States in multiple Olympic Games. The case will proceed with further legal proceedings to determine Hearn's culpability in the alleged damage to the pool, a prominent feature of the National Mall.