Connect with us

Sports

U.S. Olympian David Hearn’s felony vandalism case dismissed by DOJ

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Federal prosecutors moved Friday to dismiss a felony vandalism case against former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, after he was accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., as seen in a court filing obtained by Fox News Digital.

Hearn was indicted July 2 on one count of felony destruction of property. U.S. Park Police alleged Hearn grabbed and tugged at a loose section of the pool’s coating on June 19, continuing after a National Park Service employee told him to stop. Officials initially claimed he caused more than $1,000 in damage.

However, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office said the Department of the Interior initially provided prosecutors with “barebones” reports and failed to disclose records documenting extensive problems with the coating’s installation.

Advertisement

FORMER US OLYMPIAN DAVID HEARN INDICTED IN ALLEGED REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM

David Hearn canoes

David Hearn of the United States competes in the men’s C1 whitewater canoeing final of the 2000 Summer Olympics at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Penrith, Australia, on Sept. 18, 2000. (David Madison/Getty Images)

“Had DOI been forthcoming with the information clearly in its possession, the government would not have sought a grand jury indictment,” prosecutors wrote.

“It was not until after the return of the indictment, that the DOI provided additional documents to the USAO-DC indicating that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in June 2026 was the result of flawed installation by the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings (‘AIC’), and the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026.”

WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS ‘TARGETED SABOTAGE’ OF REFLECTING POOL AS REPAIRS PUSHED PAST JULY 4 CELEBRATION

Advertisement
2000 Olympics - Men's C1

David Hearn of the USA competes in the Men’s C1 whitewater canoeing final of the 2000 Summer Olympics on September 18, 2000, at Penrith Whitewater Stadium in Penrith, Australia.  (David Madison/Getty Images)

The DOJ said the new evidence made it difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hearn caused the damage. Prosecutors asked the court to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, which would leave open the possibility of bringing the charge again.

Hearn has previously beaten federal charges.

Hearn was arrested by the U.S. Park Police nearly 30 years ago and ended up beating the charges, according to a 1996 Washington Post article.

That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.

Advertisement

Authorities immediately issued an emergency river closure. But Hearn took his whitewater canoe straight into the raging rapids, where officers later swooped in and arrested him.

He was charged with failing to obey a lawful order. But Hearn fought the case in court and won on a stunning technicality. But a federal judge dismissed the charges, ruling the Potomac River is controlled by the state of Maryland, meaning the federal Park Police had zero jurisdiction over the water.

Hearn’s arrest became a viral sensation after it was captured by journalist Emily Miller. Miller filmed a two-minute video of Hearn being detained, which quickly went viral on X.

Miller accused Hearn of grabbing a hose that female National Park Service workers were using to clear the algae. Hearn denied the accusation, though he admitted his bike tire might have bumped it.

Advertisement

Hearn’s attorneys are demanding an apology on behalf of the Olympian.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

David Hearn competes in the Men's C1 whitewater canoeing event.

David Hearn of the USA competes in the Men’s C1 whitewater canoeing final of the 2000 Summer Olympics on September 18, 2000, at Penrith Whitewater Stadium in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)

“The Trump administration’s case against Davey Hearn should never have been brought. Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology,” said Hearn’s attorneys Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin in a statement, per The New York Post.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the DOI for comment.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Mason Mount Man United exit route proposed in ‘doable’ summer transfer

Published

on

Mason Mount’s departure from Manchester United in order to reunite with a familiar face has been proposed

Mason Mount has been touted as a realistic signing for Premier League newcomers Coventry City – because of one man.

A reunion with his former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard could be on the cards, suggests Sky Blues legend Gary McAllister. The Manchester United midfielder has yet to consistently impress in his three-year spell at Old Trafford, which has been hampered by injury.

Advertisement

Mount – who has been a regular presence for United during pre-season this summer – made just 12 league starts for United last season. A return to regular football and a reunion with Lampard, with whom he worked at Derby County and Chelsea, makes the potential move practical, says the former Liverpool star.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Speaking to Lottoland, McAllister said: “This one could happen! Mason Mount’s not playing football, and he got on really well with Frank. You know, as a player, Mason Mount has been at two massive clubs.

“Financially, he’s probably sorted, so he’s not necessarily playing for money. Getting minutes and playing Premier League football on loan, I know it sounds massively extreme, but it’s doable because I think there’s a lot of respect between the pair.”

Advertisement

It’s not just Mount who could consider a switch to Coventry on account of Lampard, with a number of his former Chelsea team-mates also being mentioned. The ex-Scotland international suggested: “I think [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek has been mentioned as well.

“[Fikayo] Tomori has also been linked. I think Frank will be using all these connections. You know, the association he had with Everton as well, he could probably use that. I’ve seen Ben Chilwell mentioned as well.

“I think they mentioned that left-back might be a place where they need to strengthen. Again, there’s a Chelsea connection and a strong one to Frank there. I think they’re going to try to do everything to get the best players they can get into that building to survive.”

Advertisement

Mount was given the captain’s armband in the second-half of United’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg last week. Seemingly entrusted by United boss Michael Carrick to be one of the leaders of the squad, Mount said in April that it’s a role he relishes.

He said: “Having the pressure of performing and winning games is what we love as players. If it’s a start or coming off the bench, I’m ready. You have different types of leaders. You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working.

“I’ve been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role. Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it’s something I really like.”

Advertisement

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image

Various Prices

Seat Unique

Buy official packages at Seat Unique

Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Fifa World Cup plans: Gianni Infantino scraps private investment proposal after widespread opposition

Published

on

Infantino became Fifa president in 2016 when he beat AFC president Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa by 115 votes to 88.

Fifa’s next president will be confirmed at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March. Candidates have until 18 November to put their names forward.

Prior to this week, it had been anticipated Infantino would be re-elected unopposed. Associations around the world, including some in Europe, had already confirmed their intention to vote for him.

It remains to be seen if the events of this week will result in a mass withdrawal of their support.

Advertisement

In his statement, Infantino reiterated his plan was designed to strengthen members associations, “especially in countries where support is most needed”.

He added: “Our purpose has always been – and always will be – to unite and improve.”

However, the proposal clearly created division within Fifa itself.

Cordeiro, who represented the world governing body on the White House taskforce for the 2026 World Cup, is the first senior figure at Fifa to resign over the plans.

Advertisement

In a lengthy statement, Cordeiro said he “unequivocally” opposed the plans and said he “did not accept the proposition” Fifa needed outside investors to “unlock greater value”. He added he had no involvement in the proposal.

It is understood Infantino even left some of Fifa’s eight vice-presidents in the dark about his plan, which it is claimed could have raised $10bn (£7.5bn).

Lamour called it “the project of one person” and said “a president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them” but this was “the opposite”.

“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Why Neeraj Chopra’s CWG 2026 silver meant more with Yashvir Singh by his side in Glasgow | Commonwealth Games News

Published

on

Why Neeraj Chopra's CWG 2026 silver meant more with Yashvir Singh by his side in Glasgow
Neeraj Chopra (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Neeraj Chopra added another medal to his glittering career at the Commonwealth Games, but the silver medal was not the only reason for his smile. The Olympic champion said sharing the podium with fellow Indian Yashvir Singh made the moment even more special.Neeraj finished second in the men’s javelin throw with a season-best effort of 85.83m, while Commonwealth Games debutant Yashvir Singh clinched the bronze medal with a personal best throw of 85.41m in his final attempt. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage claimed the gold with a best throw of 89.75m. Competing in only his second event of the season, Neeraj battled difficult weather conditions to throw 85.83m in his second attempt. The effort, his season best, was enough to earn him the silver medal in his second Commonwealth Games appearance. He had won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

.

The CWG 2026 silver added to an already impressive medal collection that includes Olympic gold and silver, World Championships gold and silver, two Asian Games gold medals, a Commonwealth Games gold and silver, the Diamond League title, the Asian Championships gold, the South Asian Games gold and the U20 World Championships gold.

Neeraj Chopra’s medal record

Competition Medal/Result Year Host City Event
Olympic Games Gold 2020 Tokyo Javelin throw
Olympic Games Silver 2024 Paris Javelin throw
World Championships Gold 2023 Budapest Javelin throw
World Championships Silver 2022 Eugene Javelin throw
Diamond League First Place 2022 Zurich Javelin throw
Commonwealth Games Gold 2018 Gold Coast Javelin throw
Commonwealth Games Silver 2026 Glasgow Javelin throw
Asian Games Gold 2018 Jakarta Javelin throw
Asian Games Gold 2022 Hangzhou Javelin throw
Asian Championships Gold 2017 Bhubaneswar Javelin throw
South Asian Games Gold 2016 Guwahati Javelin throw
U20 World Championships Gold 2016 Bydgoszcz Javelin throw
U20 Asian Championships Silver 2016 Ho Chi Minh City Javelin throw

‘It feels great to be on the podium together’

Advertisement

Neeraj was full of praise for Yashvir, who produced the best throw of his career under pressure, and said sharing the podium with another Indian reminded him of the Asian Games medal double.“It brings back memories of the Asian Games, where Saurav and I both won medals. I’m really happy that Yashvir achieved a personal best at such a crucial moment. It feels great to be on the podium together. It’s always a joy to hear the national anthem play. That said, I also achieved a season-best, and my comeback is progressing well. There are more competitions ahead, so I’m very happy,” Chopra told reporters.

Yashvir shines on Commonwealth Games debut

Yashvir emerged as the surprise package of the competition. The 24-year-old produced a personal best throw of 85.41m on his sixth and final attempt to win the bronze medal on his Commonwealth Games debut.He improved his previous personal best of 83.72m and finished ahead of several established names, including Anderson Peters and Arshad Nadeem.Reflecting on his medal-winning throw, Yashvir said he kept believing he could produce something special despite a slow start.“This is my first international medal, and I am overjoyed. Everyone supported me, my family, my parents, everyone… I am truly happy about this… things were going a bit sluggishly at the start. At one point, my throw was around 81.3 meters. I saw that the bronze medal mark was sitting at 82 meters. I told myself, ‘I’ve already thrown 82 meters–my personal best–in this competition, so I can definitely go beyond that.‘ Things weren’t going well up to the fifth throw, so for the final attempt, I decided to just go for it and see what happens. That last throw turned out really well,” Singh said.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Surprising WWE star acknowledges Roman Reigns ahead of SummerSlam

Published

on

A surprising WWE star decided to acknowledge Roman Reigns ahead of SummerSlam. Reigns will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Night 2 of the PLE this weekend.

IYO SKY won the Queen of the Ring tournament last month and will be challenging Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship at SummerSlam 2026.

Ahead of the PLE, WWE shared a video featuring The Genius of the SKY acknowledging Reigns as his entrance theme played. You can check it out in the post below.

Advertisement

Roman Reigns will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. The two stars had their final face-to-face ahead of their title match this past Monday night on WWE RAW.

Rollins claimed that he owned Reigns in the ring and stated that he wanted The Tribal Chief’s family in attendance at the PLE so he could make them cry. This angered The Head of the Table, and he leveled Rollins with a Superman Punch.

Reigns then brought a steel chair into the ring, but it backfired. Rollins connected with a Stomp to Reigns on top of the chair and is heading into SummerSlam with the momentum on his side.

WWE star opens up about betraying Roman Reigns in the past

Seth Rollins recently opened up about betraying Roman Reigns in 2014 while they were both members of The Shield alongside Dean Ambrose, now known as Jon Moxley in AEW.

Advertisement

Speaking on WWE’s YouTube channel, The Visionary stated that he had no idea about the domino effect his betrayal would cause for Reigns’ career.

“While I think the chair shot itself and the decision was probably made in haste and made without the foresight of what it would become, I never imagined Roman Reigns would become the Tribal Chief based on the resentment, the pain, and the PTSD from that chair shot. And I never imagined exactly how our paths would go, but I think what it did was give us a chance, right? It gave us both an opportunity to step out on our own and become the things that we were meant to become,” Rollins said.

“From the moment we came into the shield, I held his hand and nursed him along and kind of helped him out and got him to the next level … I’ve owned him.” @WWERollins has a message for Roman Reigns 👀

Only time will tell which star walks out of SummerSlam as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.