Washington, D.C

Republican lawmakers urge DC leaders to clear growing GWU protest encampment

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Republican lawmakers urge DC leaders to clear growing GWU protest encampment

Pro-Palestinian protest at GWU draws attention of far-right members of Congress

On Wednesday, members of Congress visited the George Washington University campus to observe the pro-Palestinian firsthand. The Republican lawmakers are calling on D.C. leaders to clear the encampment. FOX 5’s Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has the story.

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, members of Congress visited the George Washington University campus to observe the pro-Palestinian protest firsthand.

The Republican lawmakers are calling on D.C. leaders to clear the encampment.

Last Thursday, when the protest began at GWU, there were about two dozen tents on a portion of the University Yard – and nearly a week later – over a hundred tents covered the entire area, spilling over onto H Street — forcing police to block off a section of the road.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) uses a bullhorn to be heard over the crowd noise during a press conference at the George Washington University Gaza encampment, Washington, DC, May 1, 2024. Hundreds of students opposed to the far-right Republicans who visi

FOX 5 asked organizers when they plan on leaving, and they said they’ll go when their demands are met.

Pro-Palestinian supporters want immediate disclosure of all investments and endowments of the university, and divestment of all funds related to Israel and academic partnerships.

Across the country, there have been similar demonstrations at several universities, with some turning violent – students and police clashing – leading to arrests.

Since the beginning of this demonstration, leaders at GWU stated that the encampment was unauthorized.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks with reporters as he and other far-right Republican members of the House Oversight Committee visit the George Washington University Gaza encampment, Washington, DC, May 1, 2024. GWU students established the camp the p

Republican members of the House Oversight Committee stopped by the yard Wednesday to check out the demonstration.

“You’re not allowed to camp out on the lawn of the university, said Rep. Byron Donalds, one of the Republican members of the House Oversight Committee who stopped by the yard Wednesday to check out the demonstration. “The president has asked for the encampment to be disbursed. That is trespassing. Now Muriel Bowser needs to step up and support GWU.”

According to reports, GWU asked the Metropolitan Police Department for assistance to take down the encampment last week, but Mayor Bowser denied the request.

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson told FOX 5 on his way to the encampment, that he didn’t have any information regarding the mayor’s actions.

“What public safety leaders have learned over the years is that it’s important to handle this kind of protest carefully, so it doesn’t escalate,” Mendelson said.

A Washington, DC, police officer stands on duty at a Gaza solidarity encampment at George Washington University, Washington, DC, April, 29, 2024. GWU students have maintained the encampment for four days in conjunction with other DC-area universities

Across from the yard filled with tents are pro-Israel supporters holding the Israeli flag.

“If you look at Jewish history, 6 million of us died in Europe, and it’s sad to see the signs here that say ‘Jews should go back to Europe’ which is their homeland,” said Gabe Mahfar, a GWU freshman.

“I need to be here to support my people. It’s as simple as that,” added Matt Engel, another pro-Israel supporter.

In a statement sent to FOX 5, the Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said, “MPD regularly supports peaceful First Amendment activities through the District of Columbia. MPD does not comment on operational tactics and procedures. The George Washington University Police Department has the lead in the response to First Amendment demonstrations occurring on GWU grounds. Since Thursday, MPD has stood in support of its response. Demonstrations are also occurring on public spaces adjacent to the university. MPD will continue to monitor this First Amendment activity, both on and off GWU property. This activity has remained peaceful.”

GWU president speaks out against pro-Palestine protesters

George Washington University’s president says the encampment on University Yard violates the rules of conduct and behavior. She also said the actions of some protesters have been highly offensive to many members of the university community, and that the hateful language being displayed has no place on campus. FOX 5’s Shomari Stone has the story.

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Washington, D.C

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

Published

13 hours ago

December 16, 2025

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D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

TNND — A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.

You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.

Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”

Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.

“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.

Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.

While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.

My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”

According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.

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Washington, D.C

National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

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National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.

Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.

After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.

Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.

“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”

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Washington, D.C

READ: Report accuses DC Police Chief Pamela Smith of ‘fear, intimidation, threats’

Published

2 days ago

December 15, 2025

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READ: Report accuses DC Police Chief Pamela Smith of ‘fear, intimidation, threats’

WASHINGTON (7News) — Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith is facing yet another scathing report accusing her of manipulating crime data in the city.

The 22-page document from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform comes less than a week after a separate draft report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and days after Chief Smith turned in her resignation.

The main difference between the Congressional report and the DOJ report is that this new one, released on December 14, contains transcribed interviews directly with commanders from all seven MPD patrol districts.

RELATED | DC Police settles with former employee over claims that crime numbers were manipulated

The testimony reveals how Chief Smith chastised and, in some cases, publicly humiliated staff in crime briefings.

“The Committee’s investigation heard consistent testimony about frustration and exhaustion among MPD commanders and the manifestation of a culture of fear, intimidation, threats, and retaliation by Chief Smith. Often, these manifestations were triggered whenever the Chief was presented with what she considers ‘bad news,’ particularly when that news pertained to any rise in public crime statistics. Chief Smith, according to testimonies, regularly took action against her subordinates who failed to aid in the preservation of her public image,” the report states on page two.

RELATED | Trump announces probe into DC police for inflating crime stats amid safety claims

The committee launched the investigation in August when whistleblowers came forward with concerns about data manipulation.

One line of questioning in the report states:

Question: Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?

Answer: Yes, I mean extreme… there’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration or regime, and you know, that has manifested publicly.

7News reached out to Mayor Bowser’s Office for a comment in response to the report. A spokesperson provided the following statement:

The men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department run towards danger every day to reduce homicides, carjackings, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and more. The precipitous decline in crime in our city is attributable to their hard work and dedication and Chief Smith’s leadership.

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I thank Chief Smith for her commitment to the safety of D.C. residents and for holding the Metropolitan Police Department to an exacting standard, and I expect no less from our next Chief of Police.

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