Washington, D.C

Cops in nation’s capital draw ire, support for staying away from campus protest

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Cops in nation’s capital draw ire, support for staying away from campus protest

As police swarmed pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses across the country this week, officers in the nation’s capital refused to get involved, igniting ire from Republican Congressmembers and raising thorny ethics questions about bringing outside cops to university property.

Fueling part of the controversy are reports that Metropolitan Police supposedly turned down pleas from university administrators to get involved amid escalating protests against the war in Gaza on George Washington University’s Washington, D.C., campus late last week. The move deviated from decisions by other police departments to march on college campuses, disband student demonstrations, and arrest hundreds this week.

The tent encampment covering University Yard, a square area in the center of the George Washington University campus, entered its eighth day on Thursday. Hours after around 20 tents went up in the early morning hours of April 25, the university demanded that protesters disperse and dismantle them.

When the demonstrators refused to leave, the university reached out to metro police to break up the encampment, with President Ellen Granberg and Provost Christopher Bracey calling it an “unauthorized use of university space.”

But metro police refused to send their officers into the campus, fearing the optics of a police crackdown on students less than a mile from the White House, according to the Washington Post.

Police wrote in an email to USA TODAY that the department “stood in support” of the response of campus police, who take “the lead in the response to first amendment demonstrations occurring on GWU grounds.” The department declined to comment on “operational tactics or procedures.”

George Washington officials did not provide additional comment in response to USA TODAY’s request.

Listen: Police order dispersal of gathering at UCLA as protests continue nationwide | The Excerpt

GOP congressmembers make trip to GWU

The metro police decision not to get involved presented an opportunity for a political jab from some Republican members of the House Oversight Committee, who visited the encampment on Wednesday to condemn the police department’s refusal to act.

“We expect these encampments to be cleared out,” Committee Chair James Comer said, after walking through a crowd of protesters booing and heckling. In a letter to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, he and Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx also slammed metro police for refusing to get involved “over fears of public criticism.”

But experts cautioned university administrators to think carefully before involving police in campus protests. Before calling in law enforcement, university administrations should have a crystal clear picture of what’s going on, said Christy Lopez, a professor at Georgetown Law. That level of certainty could be missing from the decisions of some administrations.

“Sometimes it’s just really fuzzy and things are moving quickly, and you need to make sure that you understand what’s going on,” she said. “Sometimes, it can be sort of reckless to the point of almost deliberate” to call in police without the full facts established, she added.

Lopez commended police in the nation’s capital for not getting involved in the protest at George Washington. “We should not have to rely on police departments restraining themselves,” she said. “But as that instance shows, sometimes you have to rely on the police department to show the level of judgment that campus officials may not be showing.”

Almost every recent instance she had seen of police response to student protests could present grounds for a critical incident review of officers’ actions, she said. “I think that every single crackdown that I’ve seen warrants that level of scrutiny,” she added.

Protesters Face Charges: Campus protests across the US result in arrests by the hundreds. But will the charges stick?

Hundreds arrested at campus protests

The decision made metro police an outlier among other city police departments that sent officers into the chaotic center of campus demonstrations.

The NYPD made its first wave of around 100 arrests on Columbia University’s Manhattan campus in mid-April after it entered campus upon request from university President Minouche Shafik to dismantle a tent encampment. The situation has only escalated since then – on Tuesday night, NYPD officers arrested nearly 300 people at demonstrations at Columbia and the City College of New York.

At a news conference on Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said NYPD carried out the operation at the university’s request. “The request we received in writing could not have been clearer,” he said.

In Austin, police in riot gear, riding horses, and wielding batons and pepper spray descended on protests at the University of Texas campus last week upon the university’s request. Although charges against the 57 people arrested were dropped, officers returned on Monday to arrest nearly 80 more.

In an email to USA TODAY, Austin police said the level of assistance that its officers provided to campus police changed with the dynamics of the situation. At first, officers helped to transport those arrested to jail. More recently, campus police asked Austin officers to assist them in making arrests. After campus police and Texas Department of Public Safety officers decided to disband the protest, “it became apparent that additional resources were needed for officer safety and the safety of those taking part in the demonstration.”

“Moving forward as the demonstrations continue, APD will remain ready to provide assistance to [campus police] if requested,” Austin police said in the email.

Experts say police should build trust with protesters

Lopez said building up a level of trust with protesters by acting with restraint can help law enforcement work effectively in the midst of a protest. “Is there an alternative to just going in and tearing apart an encampment or shutting down a protest? Or can you be more directed and actually figure out who’s causing the problems?” she said.

Either way, law enforcement’s response to the protests could leave a lasting mark on how young people view the ethics of policing, Lopez said. “How the police respond here is going to be as indelibly marked on the political consciousness of youth today, as the police response during the Vietnam War protest was on youth of that era,” she said.

“This is going to define how they think about not just police, but government, about the legitimacy of authority,” she added. “That’s really, really an important thing for police and leaders to be thinking about, is that they’re forging that reality and those perceptions right now.”

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

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Washington, D.C

Nevada’s first Capitol Christmas Tree ‘Silver Belle’ arrives in Washington D.C.

Published

18 hours ago

November 22, 2025

Press Room

Nevada’s first Capitol Christmas Tree ‘Silver Belle’ arrives in Washington D.C.

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada’s first-ever Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Washington D.C. today, marking a historic milestone for the Silver State.

The 53-foot-tall red fir, named “Silver Belle,” comes from an area just east of Lake Tahoe. The tree will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol throughout the holiday season.

Silver Belle will feature hand-made ornaments created by Nevada schools, adding a personal touch from students across the state to this national display.

Watch a timelapse of the Christmas Tree raising

Timelapse of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Nevada

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Washington, D.C

The Weekend Scene: Downtown Holiday Market and more to do around DC, through Nov. 23

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

The Weekend Scene: Downtown Holiday Market and more to do around DC, through Nov. 23

Happy “Wicked: For Good” opening weekend! After you see the movie, let your stan flag fly with drink specials, trivia and karaoke – there’s even a one-day choir where singers can channel their inner Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo. Check out our roundup here.

Swap your pink and green for yellow to cheer on the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League championship Saturday night. Watch parties will be happening at Franklin Hall, metrobar and across the Spirit Bar Network.

Grocery shopping, traveling and/or welcoming family into town might be your focus on the last weekend before Thanksgiving, but make some time to enjoy festive fun all over the D.C. area.

Weekend weather: The weekend might start with rain before the weather takes a turn for the better. Here’s the forecast.

D.C. highlights

Downtown Holiday Market
Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free entry
🔗 Details

Browse dozens of vendors while picking up gifts for everyone on your nice list.

The market is right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, so why not check out some art before shopping?

Family-friendly
ZooLights
Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9
🔗 Details

The National Zoo was closed for weeks during the government shutdown, but ZooLights is happening, and it’s opening on time. You can visit Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus more days into the new year. Read more and see the full list of ZooLights dates here.

“Our team has been working around the clock to make ZooLights happen,” the National Zoo’s Director of Business Operations, Nikki Mounts, said.

The shutdown is gone, and Zoo Lights is on. News4’s Tommy McFly has a preview of the National Zoo’s annual holiday attraction.

One million environmentally friendly LED twinkle lights and more than 100 animal lanterns await visitors as they wind down the zoo’s main walkway, dotted with scenes of rainforests, deserts and pandas.

We suggest buying tickets in advance for this popular event.

D.C.’s free Umbrella Art Fair returns for its fifth year. News4’s Eun Yang talks with one of the organizers about what to expect.

Free & family-friendly
Umbrella Art Fair
Fri. to Sun., The Square at International Square (1850 K St NW)
🔗 Details

One of the biggest showings of art is back again, showcasing more than 100 artists’ work across over 35,000 square feet in downtown D.C. Expect to see work by Autumn Spears, Rose Jaffe, Alex Solis, Tracie Ching, Jessie and Katey, Tom Kim (aka Death by Narwhals) and more.

It’s the Umbrella Art Fair’s fifth year. It will be open to the public 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Family-friendly
Washington Harbour Ice Rink opens
Opens Thurs., Georgetown Waterfront, $9-$11 admission, $7 skate rental
🔗 Details

One of D.C.’s most scenic ice rinks is back for the winter season! Glide near the Georgetown waterfront until 8:30 p.m. on work nights and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and during winter break (Dec. 22-31).

The rink is even open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s (check holiday hours on their website).

Want to make a day of it? We shared suggestions on what to do nearby in this edition of The Weekend Scene newsletter.

Maryland highlights

Family-friendly
LuminoCity’s Wonder Journey holiday lights festival
Through Jan. 1, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, peak admission, including taxes and fees, costs $33.47 (child)/$40.23 (adult)
🔗 Details

Step into a wintery fairy tale filled with lights spanning 12 acres. Don’t miss the red heart slide in the “Alice in Wonderland” zone.

Beyond the lights, you can visit dozens of roaring life-size dinosaurs, boogie on an LED dance floor or dig for fossils. You can also pay extra for train rides, a safari dig and a bounce zone.

Free & family-friendly
Holiday Share Fair
Sat., Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds
🔗 Details

An old coat that’s too small? Boots you just don’t wear? A board game you’ve outgrown? If you’re decluttering before the holidays or looking for winter gear on a budget (i.e. FREE!), we’ve got the spot.

Imagine a trunk-or-treat for adults where “Givers” are invited to dress up their tables of fun finds.

Family-friendly
Festival of Lights – Bikes and Lights
Sun., in Upper Marlboro, $5
🔗 Details

Put a unique spin on your holiday lights tradition by biking through the enchanting displays in Watkins Regional Park.

This display with thousands of bulbs is usually a drive-through experience, so biking by will be extra special.

Virginia highlights

Free & family-friendly
Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa
Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.)
🔗 Details

Take a stroll down King Street to Market Square for Alexandria’s tree lighting ceremony, which is expected to begin at or shortly after 6:40 p.m., followed by live music.

Make sure to stick around to watch Santa roll in on the King Street Trolley! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet families until 8 p.m.

Alexandria Cider Festival
Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers
🔗 Details

Sample cider, enjoy live music and join in on tavern games at the Llyod House in Old Town. It’s a great opportunity to explore the historic Georgian house, one of five such buildings that still exist in Alexandria.

Concerts this weekend

Robyn Hitchcock, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, The Atlantis, $45.30

Listen to your elders. The Bob Dylan of alternative rock first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock cult heroes The Soft Boys. Since then, with the Egyptians and later on as a solo act, the British singer/songwriter spent decades delighting fans with his surreal lyrics brimming with biting wit, as well as his esoteric stage banter. Not the artist to tell to shut up and play. In song and shtick, his storytelling is welcome and deserving of audience attention. Details.

Die Spitz, 7:30 Thursday, Black Cat, $26.40

Austin, Texas, quartet takes a wild and heavy approach to rock ‘n’ roll, leaning toward punk but too varied to pigeonhole. All things heavy — and wild. Band members trade instruments and share vocal responsibilities, with even the drummer getting out from behind the kit to take her turn at the mic. Their high-energy live shows will find them hanging from the rafters. Matching that energy — potentially upstaging it — North Carolina queer punk band Babe Haven opens. Details.

The OBGMs, 8 p.m. Thursday, Pie Shop, $21.44 (advance)/$24.54 (day of)

The Toronto punks’ music is thrilling, in your face and thought provoking. Their last two LPs — moving toward more accessible alternative rock — were shortlisted for Canada’s Polaris Prize. Details.

Silvana Estrada, 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 Club, $45.30

Mexican singer/songwriter with a gorgeous, gently fluttering voice. The folk music of her country prevails, but her modern take is informed by many other styles. Her vocals need no translation to convey the emotion in her songwriting. Details.

American Analog Set, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Miracle Theatre, $40

This indie band from ‘90s Austin, Texas, shuffled along at the pace of Yo La Tengo’s mellow moods while involving the krautrock of Stereolab and post rock similar to that of The Sea and Cake and even decelerating into slowcore. They call this set “Magic Hour,” consisting of songs from their original run of six albums. (The band took another 18 years to release a seventh LP in 2023.) Details.

More to do in D.C.

Frosted at Franklin Park: Nov. 21 to Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free

Concert – Sir Chloe: Fri., Lincoln Theatre

Punk Rock Flea: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, free entry

DowntownDC Holiday Market: Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW, free entry

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

Theater – “Hadestown”: Through Sun., National Theatre

More to do in Maryland

Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade: Sat., 10 a.m., Silver Spring, free

Thanksgiving coaster craft: Sat., Brentwood Arts Exchange, free

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center 10×10 art sale: Nov. 22 opening reception, on view through Jan. 4, Hyattsville, free entry

Movies on the Potomac – “The Grinch”: Sun., 2 p.m., National Harbor, free

More to do in Virginia

Pet Nights With Santa: Mondays from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8., Tysons Corner Center lower level, free

Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath Workshop: Thurs., 6 p.m., Ono Brewing Company in Chantilly, $67 per person

Herndon Turkey Trot 5k: Sat., 4 p.m., Herndon Community Center, $25-$45

Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa: Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.), free

Alexandria Cider Festival: Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers

Winter Lantern Festival: Opens Thurs., Tysons, $18.99-$25.99

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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Washington, D.C

Man found shot to death on Valley Ave. in Southeast DC

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

Man found shot to death on Valley Ave. in Southeast DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — A man was shot and killed Wednesday evening in Southeast, D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Around 5:37 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, Southeast, for a report of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found a man unconscious and not breathing, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

SEE ALSO | Man in Maryland jail accused of asking girlfriends to kidnap, stab DC woman

DC Fire and EMS paramedics tried to save the victim’s life when they responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.

Police have not released the victim’s name as the investigation continues. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

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This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

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