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Larry Hogan: How the federal government can fight carjacking rings in Maryland | GUEST COMMENTARY

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Larry Hogan: How the federal government can fight carjacking rings in Maryland | GUEST COMMENTARY


One alarming aspect of the current crime wave is the dramatic increase of both violent and property crime in areas of Maryland that have not seen similar surges in the past. That’s exactly what is happening in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, which are suffering from rapid increases in rates of violent crimes, carjackings and robberies. In just the past few years, crime has exploded in these counties from a secondary concern to now ranking as the top concern for residents. Local and state leaders are unable to address this crisis alone — in the Senate, I will make sure the federal government steps up to be the real partner Maryland needs.

Organized carjacking rings are a major source of the problem. In Prince George’s County alone, carjackings have increased almost 600% since 2019 and are on track to increase even more this year. These rings often operate by recruiting teenagers. Well-intentioned but reckless efforts to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system have made it virtually impossible to hold them accountable and offer real rehabilitation.

While we must continue to work to address the long-term root causes of crime, provide more and better mental health resources, and help those who have paid their debts successfully re-enter society, we cannot afford to avoid taking immediate action to get violent criminals off the streets.

In 2022, when I was governor, my administration showed that this could be done effectively in Baltimore City by leveraging federal resources. When then-State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby was failing to prosecute crimes, we worked with the U.S. Attorney for Maryland, Erek Barron, to deploy strategic federal assets to get the job done, providing millions of state funding to support additional prosecutors and staff, including 10 additional Special Assistant United States Attorneys for the Baltimore Office. These prosecutors pursued the “Al Capone model” of pursuing federal firearms, fraud and other criminal charges against individuals known to be repeat violent offenders.

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That same year, amid cuts to police funding by some local jurisdictions, we advanced our $500 million Re-Fund the Police initiative, which provided a 50% increase in state aid to local police for historic salary increases and bonuses for law enforcement officers, support for victim services, and more funding for training and technology. Starting in August 2022, murders in Baltimore began to decline compared to the prior year. This trend continued for five out of the next six months before I left office and thankfully continued through 2023.

We must adopt this proven approach at the federal level as a critical tool in our crime-fighting toolbox. On day one in the Senate, I will get to work to surge resources to hire federal prosecutors who will focus on breaking up these carjacking gangs and other organized crime. Despite our investments in law enforcement, this funding and support is not always matched by local leaders. Just in the past week, we met with the Prince George’s FOP, Anne Arundel FOP and federal law enforcement to hear about the resources they need to get the job done. We need a federal Re-Fund the Police initiative with greater training for law enforcement, more school resource officers, and funding to solve violent crimes that are terrorizing our communities and eroding the quality of life for too many Marylanders.

This is only the start of what the federal government must and can do to tackle crime across not just Mayland, but all across the country. We need to pass tougher federal penalties for criminals who use illegal guns and encourage states to implement red flag laws to get guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. We need to be proactive about leveraging the federal laws on the books, such as increased penalties for firearms in school zones and other federally-designated locations, to get repeat violent offenders off the street.

Crime is on the top of the minds of Marylanders and Americans, but — like most pressing issues of the day — Washington politicians only offer platitudes and point fingers. That must change. We can no longer allow politics to get in the way of public safety. There are bipartisan common sense solutions the federal government can adopt that will make a real difference. In the Senate, I will make it a top priority to bring people in both parties together to get this done, support our law enforcement, and make our communities safer.

Larry Hogan (info@larryhogan.com) was the 62nd governor of Maryland and is the state’s Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. 

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Governor Moore Continues “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Allegany and Garrett Counties One Year after Historic Floods, Highlighting Infrastructure and Recover

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Governor Moore Continues “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Allegany and Garrett Counties One Year after Historic Floods, Highlighting Infrastructure and Recover


Updated:

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today concluded a two-day “Delivering for Maryland” tour through Allegany and Garrett counties. The tour highlighted the Moore-Miller Administration’s investments in rural infrastructure and long-term recovery following last year’s devastating floods. Throughout the tour, Governor Moore emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind when crisis strikes.

“When our people need help, political parties do not matter; what matters is that we are all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “This tour is a testament to what we can achieve when local and state leaders come together to rebuild, and support our neighbors in need. We are committed to delivering for Western Maryland because leaving no one behind isn’t just a slogan—it is the guiding principle of how we govern.”

Indoor group photo with Governor Moore

The governor began the day touring the City of Frostburg’s Water Treatment Plant. Governor Moore highlighted the city’s use of $400,000 from the Fiscal Year 2027 capital grants investment to address water infrastructure upgrades and their water resiliency project. State funding will target critical infrastructure upgrades and repairs to the plant, which serves 9,500 local customers and faces increased demand as it regularly supports the broader George’s Creek Valley water system.  As climate variability and regional reliance place growing strain on the City of Frostburg’s existing infrastructure, the project is a critical investment in public health, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

“The City of Frostburg is incredibly grateful to Governor Moore and the General Assembly for prioritizing Western Maryland’s needs, and for helping us to ensure the availability of safe, clean water to our citizens, and others throughout Allegany County,” said Frostburg Mayor Todd Logsdon. “The Frostburg Water Sustainability Project is a great example of how leaders can come together to put our citizens first and ensure that the people of Frostburg and all of Western Maryland have a better quality of life.”

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Governor Moore then visited the Town of Midland, making history as the first sitting governor to visit the municipality in its recorded history. Alongside Mayor John Monahan, the governor toured the construction site of the new Midland Town Hall, supported by a $50,000 state legislative bond initiative. The former town hall is the oldest operating town hall in Maryland. The governor’s flood recovery investments through the FY 2027 budget include $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration, which will directly mitigate sediment build-up along the riverbanks, prevent future breaches, and protect local homes and public parks in Midland.

“We want to thank the Governor for joining us in Midland today during his time in Mountain Maryland, and for being the first governor to visit us in our town’s recorded history,” said Midland Mayor John Monahan. “It was a great opportunity to show him how state investment contributed to our new town hall, and to show him the baseball fields and playground that were proudly rebuilt by our community following last year’s floods. And I’m thankful for the Governor’s flood investments into the region. As I’ve said, I didn’t want a politician, I wanted our town to have a friend. In Governor Moore, we have a friend.”

Mayor Hamilton and Governor Moore in elementary school

The governor then traveled to Westernport, where he toured the newly renovated first floor of Westernport Elementary School. One year ago, rising floodwaters forced emergency swiftwater rescue teams to evacuate approximately 150 students and 50 adults from the school. Working in lockstep with the state, the school system leveraged $5 million in insurance funding to complete repairs ahead of schedule, officially reopening the first floor earlier this month.

“We are so happy that the governor is here to celebrate the resiliency of our community,” said Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “It really matters a lot to our community overall that he is here acknowledging the hard work and dedication about carrying it out.”

Governor Moore speaking at lectern

The governor then visited the temporary space of the Westernport Library—the heart of the Westernport community—and walked to the Potomac Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 Firehouse to address families, volunteers, and local leaders from Westernport, Lonaconing, Midland, Cumberland, and Frostburg.

During his remarks, the governor detailed his $12 million flood recovery operating investment included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The investment includes $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration to mitigate future flood risks; $5.5 million for repairs to infrastructure, including sewers, waterlines, roads, and bridges; and $1 million to restore the foundation and structural stability of the Westernport Library. These investments follow the nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief provided through the State Disaster Recovery Fund​ and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support impacted families last year. The governor also presented a Governor’s Citation to Mayor Judy Hamilton, honoring her dedicated public service as her tenure concludes at the end of the month.

“Today is about more than the reopening of a library — it’s a testament to the resilience of Mountain Maryland,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “I remember well just a year ago trudging through the deep mud and witnessing the overturned bookshelves alongside Governor Moore and local leaders. Moreover, I came away with a deep respect for the kind neighbors who quickly arrived with shovels in hand. At a time when the Trump Administration repeatedly denied well-deserved FEMA emergency funding, our Governor stepped up with aid because he believes that no Marylander should ever be left behind. I was proud to work with Team Maryland on recovery efforts and to witness our Governor’s $12 million investment in these communities so they have the necessary resources to rebuild and recover.”

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“The Westernport Library has always been the heart of our town, a safe gathering space where our community connects, learns, and grows,” said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. “Governor Moore’s $12 million flood recovery investment, including his $1 million investment to rebuild our library, ensures that the heart of Westernport will beat stronger than ever. We are profoundly grateful for the governor’s recognition of what this space means to our residents, and for his standing by us as we rebuild our beloved community.”

“Disaster recovery takes partnership and collaboration at every level. We authorized the first-ever use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund for Allegany County residents which is still supporting recovery efforts today, and the placement of a Maryland Mesonet weather station in Westernport will enhance warnings for residents in future storms,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “We will continue to support Mountain Maryland in their recovery efforts.”

Governor Moore in group photo in front of house

Governor Moore concluded his visit to Allegany and Garrett counties alongside Mayor Don Sincell at the newly relocated and restored Bethel AME Church in Mountain Lake Park. Originally established in Oakland in 1872, the church is the first historic African American house of worship in Garrett County. The structure was salvaged, relocated, and rededicated as a cultural center to share the overlooked history of Black railroad, farm, and service workers who helped build the Western Maryland region. The restoration project was made possible through a strong partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Historical Trust.

“Bethel AME Church is a cornerstone of our community’s history, and preserving it means preserving the soul of Mountain Lake Park and Garrett County,” said Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell. “We are incredibly grateful for the state funding that has made this relocation and restoration a reality. Having Governor Moore here to witness this milestone shows his genuine commitment to protecting the heritage and future of every Maryland town, no matter how small.”

Governor Moore with Mayor Coburn

The governor’s engagements in Allegany and Garrett counties began yesterday at Frostburg University, where he delivered the commencement address to the Frostburg State University (FSU) Class of 2026. The governor celebrated the exceptional service and action demonstrated by Class of 2026 and recognized the university’s vital civic role during the 2025 flood crisis. Later that afternoon, the governor joined bluegrass music legend and National Heritage Fellow Del McCoury at the 18th annual DelFest at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Before a crowd of thousands, Governor Moore declared Thursday, May 21, 2026, as “Del McCoury Day” in Maryland, celebrating Del’s legacy in traditional bluegrass and Appalachian culture.

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Maryland leaders deflect as residents leave over costs

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Maryland leaders deflect as residents leave over costs


As Maryland continues to bleed population to lower-cost states, the families and business owners packing their bags are highlighting a disconnect between the lived reality of residents and the narrative offered by the state’s political l…



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Maryland SHA to assess Fallston intersection where teen died in dirt bike crash

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Maryland SHA to assess Fallston intersection where teen died in dirt bike crash


The Maryland State Highway Administration will be assessing the Fallston intersection where 16-year-old Tyler Benton was killed in a dirt bike crash earlier this month, Harford County Councilmember Alison Imhoff announced Thursday.

On May 5 around 2:30 p.m., troopers with the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack were called to the intersection of Fallston Road (MD-152) and Pleasantville Road for a crash involving a car and electric dirt bike.

ALSO READ | Fallston High School student killed after deadly crash in Harford County

The preliminary investigation found a Honda CR-V was traveling southbound on MD-152 and tried to make a left turn onto Pleasantville Rd. and that’s when an electric dirt bike traveling northbound on MD-152 hit the Honda on the passenger side, officials said.

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Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the teen, who attended Fallston High School, to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation.

Once completed, the investigation will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Harford County to determine if charges will be filed.

SHA’s review should be done in the next 90 days, Councilmember Imhoff said.

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As the traffic flow and safety of the intersection are assessed, anyone with concerns or questions is asked to contact Councilmember Imhoff by emailing Abimhoff@harfordcountycouncil.com.



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