D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto sent the Metropolitan Police Department a letter Tuesday pressing for answers regarding its alleged misclassification of crimes and its cooperation with federal agencies.

As the chair of the Council’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Pinto says she conducts oversight of the MPD every day. Every member of the D.C. Council cosigned the six-page letter after a public safety hearing earlier this month. At the 12-hour meeting, more than 100 residents spoke to their experience with federal agencies during their occupation in D.C. The letter is also a result of the Department of Justice and the House Oversight Committee releasing reports accusing MPD of manipulating crime data.

The points the Council seeks clarity about include: joint patrols between MPD and federal agencies, what power and accountability is given to federal agents in D.C., how MPD crime data is classified and reported, what MPD’s general requirements and instructions are, and other specific incidents.

An executive order issued in August gave MPD the authorization to alert federal immigration enforcement agencies of people not in MPD custody and to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the transportation of detained suspects. The Council is pressing MPD on whether this ruling is still in effect, and if so, why. 

“District law is clear that MPD cannot coordinate with immigration enforcement officials,” Pinto said.

She explained to News4 that despite that law, she has seen video of and heard reports of MPD officers with different federal agencies handling immigration functions. 

“As unusual as it is to have this administration step in and declare an emergency and send troops in … we are still a city and a country of laws, and those laws need to be followed by everyone,” Pinto said.

“Everyone,” Pinto said, includes D.C.’s government and local law enforcement.

Regarding specific incidents, Pinto references two Homeland Security Investigations agent shootings in the past four months. Both took place on Benning Road NE and resulted in no injuries. In the first, on Oct. 17, when an HSI agent shot at a man who tried to flee a traffic stop, the bullet ended up passing through the man’s jacket. The officer was told by his superior at the time not to include any details of the shooting in the arrest report, News4 reported.

“The more these incidents happen, not only are they extremely dangerous, but without resolution, it undermines trust in our public safety ecosystem,” Pinto told News4, “and that cannot happen. We have had years and years of effort to rebuild trust with our police department and our community.”

The Council requested an update to both shooting investigations.

The recent allegations of false crime records within the police department, accuse MPD of downgrading hundreds of crimes systematically to show a decrease. Pinto’s letter urges MPD to advise further on their classifications.

“While I question the political motivations and timing of these reports, and believe that our police department is the best in the country, and there are lots of layers of review, it is still important on behalf of the public to ensure that everybody is on the same page about how classifications of crimes do happen,” Pinto said.

Specifically, the letter in part seeks more information on the data reported in citywide year-to-date crime comparisons published by MPD, and how that data is classified. A main argument by Pinto is that accuracy in crime data is necessary to maintain public trust and assess current public safety intervention.

“It’s not just around accountability for what has gone on, which is very important, but it’s also to inform our strategy moving forward,” she said. “We’re heading into a new year.”

Pinto and the Council set a deadline for MPD’s response as Jan. 9. Pinto said a performance oversight hearing will be held several weeks later. The full letter can be read on Pinto’s website.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overruled a lower court ruling on Wednesday, allowing US President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Washington DC to continue for now.

The three-judge panel reversed US District Judge Jia Cobb’s November 20 decision, which disallowed Trump from deploying troops to DC to help control crime in the city. Cobb’s opinion and order state that the District was unable to perform its duties with the intrusion of the National Guard troops, holding that “the balance of equities and public interest weigh in the District’s favor.”

The appeals court disagreed with Cobb’s decision, stating that the president may prevail in his argument that he “possesses a unique power” to deploy troops in the nation’s capital. The court’s reasoning centered on the fact that DC is a federal district, stating:

Because the District of Columbia is a federal district created by Congress, rather than a constitutionally sovereign entity like the fifty States, the Defendants appear on this early record likely to prevail on the merits of their argument that the President possesses a unique power within the District—the seat of the federal government—to mobilize the Guard under 32 U.S.C. § 502(f). It also appears likely that the D.C. Code independently authorizes the deployment of the D.C. Guard.

This action was initially brought by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb in August after Trump deployed around 2,300 regional National Guard members to patrol the city. In the months since, Trump has also deployed National Guard troops to other major US cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Memphis. The court’s ruling calls into question the constitutionality of Trump’s deployment of troops in US cities other that the nation’s capital in the future.

A spokesperson for Schwalb said in a statement that this was not the end of the fight against the deployment, stating, “This is a preliminary ruling that does not resolve the merits. We look forward to continuing our case in both the District and appellate courts.”

This weekend is your last for Christmas shopping! We’ll share some unique markets worth checking out, both in the highlights and in our list of bonus events at the bottom of this page.

• Weekend weather: Saturday will be chilly, but sunshine on Sunday will bring a little more warmth. Here’s the forecast.

The ‘DMV’s largest indoor bounce park’ jumps into Maryland

Family pick
Funbox Bowie
🔗 Details

Boasting the “DMV’s largest indoor bounce park,” Funbox jumps into Bowie with $4 tickets just in time for kids to get some energy out over winter break.

Funbox opens today, and the $4 grand opening deal runs until Dec. 28 (it also includes birthday parties starting at $99). Typically, it costs $22.95 to bounce.

Tackle a 23-foot slide, obstacle course or the battle beam where competitors tussle with soft tubes while wearing nonslip socks.

Holiday highlights

Free & family-friendly
Late hours for Season’s Greenings
Thurs., plus Dec. 23, 30 and Jan. 1
🔗 Details

The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Dino-Mite! holiday display is open until 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (except Christmas Day), but you still have a few chances to visit during extended hours.

Tomorrow and on four other evenings, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. Live music plus food and drink vendors make it a cheap date night option.

Free pick
12 Days of Joy with Art to Go-Go
Through Dec. 22, Historic Anacostia
🔗 Details

Head to Anacostia to get in on 12 days of art, go-go, joy – and shopping! 

Local businesses are hosting events like poetry readings, live music, games and classes every day of the week. Pick up a Joy Pass and visit over 15 participating businesses to find “Drops of Joy,” including discounts and neighborhood adventures, around Anacostia.

Drop into the UMOJA Market between noon and 8 p.m. to find small vendors selling giftable items from hand-painted journals to chocolate bars. You’ll find it at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Check the website for special events, including Selfies with Santa on Saturday (make sure to sign up in advance)!

Free pick
Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market
Through Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Northeast D.C.
🔗 Details

Whether you’re coming or going from Union Station, the holiday market in its majestic main hall is worth a stop. 

Shop from over 40 local shops, artists and makers while enjoying live music. 

Free pick
ROCK’N’SHOP
Sat., 2-6 p.m., Black Cat
🔗 Details

The Black Cat’s annual holiday shop says it’s one of the longest-running in D.C. You’ll find a mix of local crafters, record dealers, shops and junk sellers as DJs provide a great soundtrack, the Black Cat says.

Family-friendly
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
🔗 Details

Fireworks over the Potomac River and sparkling lights make George Washington’s former estate a festive destination for the whole family. 

You can meet George and Martha Washington, talk to Revolutionary War soldiers at the winter encampment, take a picture with Aladdin the Camel, plus play games and dance for an 18th-century celebration.

Mount Vernon recently reopened the first and second floors of Washington’s mansion after a $40 million renovation, and Christmas Illuminations visitors can be among the first to step inside.

Family-friendly
The Dad Games
Sun., 3-7 p.m., The St. James in Springfield, $5 suggested donation
🔗 Details

The whole family is invited for an afternoon of games and challenges testing dads’ skills with Legos, trash can basketball, golf and more (bad jokes not included).

The organizers say you don’t need any training – just show up and try to win prizes up to $250!

Family-friendly
Arlington Drafthouse Holiday Movie Festival
Sun., Arlington, $10 (adult)/$5 (child)
🔗 Details

The Arlington Drafthouse theater is showing Christmas movies of all stripes – from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Die Hard” – through Dec. 23. 

On Sunday, you can grab a ticket, then come and go all day for a full day of classics like “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street” before the fest ends with holiday horror “Krampus.” 

Sit back in theater seating, order food and drinks and enjoy an easygoing afternoon of holiday favorites.

Heads up, Commanders’ fans: Arlington Drafthouse will show Saturday’s game against the Eagles on the big screen. Admission is free!

Music Snob: Concerts and more

Patti Smith, 7 p.m. Friday, Lincoln Theatre, $68.40

Not a concert, but this book talk will rock. The icon of punk, prose and photography brings the new memoir of her fascinating life and career – “Bread of Angels” – to the historic Lincoln for discussion. Book included with ticket. Details.

The Max Levine Ensemble, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $18

D.C.’s premiere pop punk band celebrates its 25th (!!!) anniversary. Not as active as a couple decades ago, it’s not as easy to catch this politically minded District institution these days. Among the openers is excellent indie rock singer-songwriter Oceanator. Details.

The Owners, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $18.75

Last-minute shopping? Stop by Black Cat for The Owners’ record release show. The venerable punk venue’s owners – and a couple of longtime employees – used pandemic free time and their empty club to put together one of D.C.’s best bands. Catchy, energetic garage-punk paradise. Details.

More to do in D.C.

Holiday shows and winter activities“

“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre, $42+

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: Through Dec. 23, Arena Stage, $49+ (see website for discounts)

A Very Improv Holiday: Through Dec. 28, Studio Theatre

National Symphony Orchestra – Handel’s “Messiah”: Thurs. to Sun., Kennedy Center

Procrastinator’s Holiday Market: Sat., Kraken on Rhode Island Main Street, free entry

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – The Holiday Show: Sat., Lincoln Theatre, $68.40

“The Nutcracker” by The Washington Ballet: Through Dec. 29, Warner Theatre, $63.50+

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink: Daily through winter, National Gallery of Art, $12-$15 admission and $7 skate rental

Light Yards: Through Jan. 2, The Yards Park, free

Downtown Holiday Market: Through Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free

Winter Wonderfest: Through Dec. 30, Nationals Park, $29.50

ZooLights: Through Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9

Frosted at Franklin Park: Through Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free

Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49

“Elf on the Shelf”-themed holiday pop-up bar: Through Dec. 30, Morris American Bar, $15 non-refundable reservation fee

Everything else:

Washington Capitals: Thurs. and Sat., Capital One Arena

Washington Wizards: Sun., Capital One Arena

Comedy – John Mulaney: Thurs. to Sun., The Anthem

More to do in Maryland

Winter Lights Festival: Through Dec. 21, Seneca Creek State Park, $15-$25 per vehicle

Children’s theater – “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Through Dec. 22, The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo, $16 per person

ICE! featuring The Polar Express: Through Jan. 4, Gaylord National Harbor, $41+

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Through Jan. 4, Wheaton, $13.99-$16.99 (free for kids under 5)

Theater – “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”: Through Dec. 28, Olney Theatre Center, $63+

Holiday Toast2Peace!: Thurs., World of Beer Rockville, free entry (donations encouraged)

Winter Fest (with Santa photos for dogs and humans): Fri., Sat. and Sun., Song Dog Farm Distillery in Boyds, free entry

BabyCat Brewery ugly sweater holiday party: Fri. in Bethesda and Sat. in Kensington, free entry

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $41+

Merry Market: Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westbard Square in Bethesda, free entry

Hands on History – Festival of Lights: Sat., 10 a.m., Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park, $10

The Winter Jubilee: Sat., 1-4 p.m., Rockville’s Civic Center Park, $8-$10 (adult chaperones free)

Children’s theater – “The Snowman and the Snowdog”: Through Jan. 4, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, $15+

The ‘Lego Menorah’ Lighting at Bethesda Row: Sun., Bethesda Row, free

More to do in Virginia

Holiday Bricktacular at the LEGO Discovery Center: Through Dec. 24, Ashburn, $24.99+

Elf Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Thurs., Woodbridge, free

Holi-DIY Crafting & Gift Making Workshop (Sat., 3-6 p.m.) and Family-Friendly Workshop (Sun., 3-5 p.m.), AR Workshop Alexandria, prices vary by project

Tequila & Mezcal Cocktail Making Class: Sat., La Prensa Tacos & Tapas in Sterling, $103.22

Holiday on the Farm: Fri. and Sat., Frying Pan Farm Park, $15 in advance/$20 at door

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fairfax Station, $20 in advance/$25 at door

Holiday Train Rides: Through Dec. 21, Reston Town Center, $23.18

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