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As youth shootings soar, D.C. officials vow to bolster efforts

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As youth shootings soar, D.C. officials vow to bolster efforts


High D.C. public security officers stated Thursday that they’re dedicated to implementing a gun violence discount plan printed earlier this yr by an unbiased metropolis company, following mounting public strain to bolster the District’s crime-fighting efforts as shootings of juveniles soar.

The plan contains 16 suggestions that specialists say would lower violent crime within the near-term, by means of funding in public well being and legislation enforcement methods. The Felony Justice Coordinating Council launched the report in April. On the time, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) stated it was an “glorious doc to construct on,” however that metropolis officers had been additionally “working urgently on a complete strategy.”

Metropolis Administrator Kevin Donahue, who’s filling in for deputy mayor of public security and justice after his predecessor stepped down, stated at a metropolis council roundtable on Thursday that the mayor “helps the plan’s suggestions, and we have now already begun implementing them.”

He additionally stated Linda Harllee Harper, director of town’s workplace of gun violence prevention, can be in command of placing the plan into impact.

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“You’ve obtained some gifted gifted gifted folks within the District, who’re utterly able to making this occur,” stated David Muhammad, govt director of the Nationwide Institute for Felony Justice Reform, which developed the gun violence discount plan. “It truly is simply bringing all of it collectively.”

Public security has been a prime challenge of debate amongst D.C. officers lately. The variety of folks killed within the metropolis per yr elevated all through the pandemic, in keeping with police information. The uptick in gunfire has confirmed particularly harmful for teens, with 16 folks below the age of 18 fatally shot to this point this yr. That quantity, as of Dec. 1, has greater than doubled in comparison with the identical time final yr.

This yr within the District, nonetheless, there have been fewer homicides in comparison with the identical time in 2021, and violent crime has dropped over the identical interval in nearly each class. These traits have inspired public security leaders, who stated they’ve been centered on bringing providers from numerous authorities businesses and neighborhood teams to assist quell the violence.

The plan launched by the Felony Justice Coordinating Council goals to scale back the variety of homicides by 10 p.c in comparison with the earlier yr — a metric town is on monitor to satisfy this yr. Particular suggestions in it embody establishing a “Peace Room” to coordinate instant responses to shootings that reach past the police, and making a citywide database to coordinate providers between businesses.

The town has already applied some elements of the plan, similar to convening weekly conferences of service suppliers to evaluate each taking pictures incident. Individuals of Promise, a program meant to funnel authorities providers towards about 230 residents deemed most vulnerable to committing or changing into victims of crime, was developed partly from the plan — although officers stated beforehand they had been reviewing and revamping it after reporting in The Washington Put up about its struggles.

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“I’ve had a collection of very promising discussions with the administration on implementing elements of the plan that haven’t been began but,” Muhammad stated. “And I’m very inspired by elements of the plan which have begun implementation, just like the Individuals of Promise.”

The Thursday roundtable was convened by D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), who chairs the judiciary and public security committee.

Delano Hunter, interim director of the Workplace of Neighborhood Security and Engagement, spoke a few management academy that has expanded from three to 6 colleges. Nakeda Gilbert, director of studying for the D.C. Peace Academy, mentioned her group’s coaching for violence intervention employees — who mediate battle in D.C. streets. And Harllee Harper, whose workplace has shifted from working with detailed workers to hiring full-time workers, stated she has began common conferences with every neighborhood group that has obtained funding from a authorities program referred to as Constructing Blocks DC, which was imagined to route assets to town’s most troubled blocks.

“No metropolis has arrested their approach out of the gun violence problem, however no metropolis has merely programmed their approach out of violence,” stated Thomas Abt, founding director of the Heart for the Research and Apply of Violence Discount. “It’s essential to have each.”

Donahue stated town is engaged on an internet site to trace the standing of the suggestions within the gun violence discount plan, which he described because the “spine” of town’s strategy to public security.

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Warees Majeed, the founding father of the nonprofit Yaay Me, which is concerned in numerous town’s violence prevention packages, stated town ought to give attention to growing the Peace Room and increasing the variety of violence interrupters. He additionally inspired a give attention to programming for youth.

“Belonging and recreation are some central issues that every one youth are searching for,” Majeed stated. “I imagine this plan begins to deal with these issues.”

Peter Hermann contributed to this report.



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Washington, D.C

Inauguration Day: Timeline of key inaugural events

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Inauguration Day: Timeline of key inaugural events


Nearly a quarter million ticketed guests are expected to attend Donald Trump’s second inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025, in the nation’s capital. The festivities begin over the weekend and continue until the Tuesday following Inauguration Day.

On Monday, the ceremony will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Security screening gates are expected to open at 5 a.m. Ticketed guests should arrive by 11:30 a.m.

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Here are some key events on the schedule if you are planning to attend:

Timeline:

Saturday, January 18

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Trump will attend a reception and fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Vice President-elect JD Vance will participate in a reception for incoming Cabinet members and host a dinner.

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READ MORE: Inauguration Day: Security tightens in DC one week before Trump takes office

Sunday, January 19

Trump will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Trump will hold a MAGA Victory rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., at 3 p.m., with a performance by the Village People.

Trump will host a candlelight dinner with campaign donors.

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Monday, January 20 (Inauguration Day)

Trump will attend a worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown D.C.

Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump will join the Bidens for tea at the White House.

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Inauguration Day Forecast: Slight chance for snow showers early Monday

What we know:

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Inaugural Ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol

The ceremonies will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

Security screening gates open at 5 a.m., music begins at 9:30 a.m. Ticketed guests should arrive by 11:30 a.m.

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The theme, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” recognizes the Founders’ commitment to preserving democracy.

Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath of office at 12 p.m. Former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton are expected to attend.

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A farewell to former President Biden and Vice President Harris will occur around noon.

Trump will gather with aides and lawmakers for the President’s Signing Room Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol to sign executive orders or memorandums.

The JCCIC Congressional Luncheon will follow, attended by the new president, vice president, Senate leaders, and JCCIC members.

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Trump will review military troops at the East Front steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by a presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

READ MORE: Inauguration Day 2025: Road closures, routes and timing

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At the White House, Trump will participate in the traditional Oval Office signing ceremony for executive orders or nominations.

Trump will attend three Inaugural balls: Commander in Chief Ball, Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball. He is scheduled to speak at all three balls.

  • Commander in Chief Ball focused on military service members
  • Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters
  • Starlight Ball will focus on high-dollar donors

What’s next:

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Tuesday, January 21

Trump will attend the National Prayer Service, an interfaith event at the Washington National Cathedral.

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The Source: Information in this article comes from The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and the Associated Press.

NewsInauguration DayDonald J. TrumpMelania TrumpWashington, D.C.



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Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

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Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration


As D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day, tens of thousands of activists are preparing to make their voices heard.

Days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol again, several grassroots groups will descend on the District Saturday for the People’s March, which has the same organizers behind the 2017 Women’s March.

“Talking about immigration, talking about peace, talking about abortion access, talking about racial justice and reproductive justice,” said Tamika Middleon, the managing director for Women’s March.

Like previous marches, organizers say Saturday’s event is part of a long term resistance strategy to proposed policies of the incoming Trump Administration

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“And so we are trying to create opportunities for people to be together, and that’s really our message, is for people to find ways for them to engage with each other,” Middleon said.

Several Metro stations and several streets will be closed Monday for the inauguration, but the 18th will also be a busy day on D.C. roads

People’s March organizers say there will be three meet up locations Saturday before they march to the Lincoln Memorial: Farragut Square, where groups will focus on democracy, immigration, climate and military; Franklin Park, a starting point for gender justice activists, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ groups; and McPherson Square, ground zero for many local grassroots organizations.

“We’re going to be specifically focusing on D.C. issues,” said Megan Salmon with Spaces in Action.

Salmon said they’ve been busy coordinating with local volunteers ahead of Saturday, and even though a lot has changed since Trump took office in 2017, their commitment to the cause hasn’t — and they’re ready for what’s next.

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“Organizers have been preparing for a moment like this for way longer than it was talked about, so it wasn’t just since the election, it wasn’t just since the campaign trail,” Salmon said. “I do think that the resistance is strategic, but I do think that’s not just a reflection of the moment we’re in. I think it’s a longer term fight.”

All of those groups are set to meet up at the Lincoln Memorial, and that big rally is scheduled to go from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.



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SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

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SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration


WASHINGTON D.C. – Safety is a priority at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump next week.

San Antonio police is sending 61 officers to Washington, D.C., to assist the Metropolitan Police Department while Trump is sworn into office.

SAPD deployed 45 officers when Trump took office for the first time in 2017.

The increase in officers being sent this time reflects heightened security concerns and a greater emphasis on ensuring the safety of all attendees.

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In addition to SAPD’s presence, law enforcement agencies nationwide are also mobilizing to provide support.

As preparations continue, authorities urge attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony will begin at noon EST on Jan. 20.

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