Judge denies Trump DOJ's attempt to ban Olympian from Reflecting Pool

A D.C. judge rejected a government request to bar three-time Olympian David Hearn, 67, from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after he pleaded not guilty to a felony destruction of property charge.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro brought the charge following problems with President Donald Trump's $14 million pool renovation, including peeling paint and algae blooms, according to AP.

Pirro claims Hearn "forcefully and violently" ripped up two square feet of the pool's blue liner on June 19; Hearn contends he only touched a piece already peeling. But Hearn pushed back, telling NBC News, "The condition of the Reflecting Pool was the same after I stepped away from the water as it was before I got there."

Judge Carmen McLean released Hearn without restrictions.

Hearn's attorney, Mary Dohrmann, argued, "It is not a crime to touch the Reflecting Pool," The Hill's Max Marcilla reported.

Dohrmann stated, "The justice system exists to determine facts, not to provide political cover," according to NBC News.

NBC News previously reported the pool's sealant was already peeling before Hearn arrived. He is the only defendant facing felony charges; at least six others face misdemeanor charges.

A status hearing is scheduled for August 5.

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