Washington, D.C
Crime is just the beginning as GOP seeks to rein in DC’s liberal government
“Taxation with out illustration.” These phrases are displayed all through Washington, D.C., on indicators, T-shirts, and even license plates to protest the nation’s capital missing statehood.
Now, practically 50 years after reaching some measure of self-government, some lawmakers are eyeing restrictions on the district authorities’s energy — probably repealing the district’s native autonomy altogether.
HOUSE GOP PUSHES TO ROLL BACK LIBERAL CRIME LAWS IN DC AFTER DEMOCRATIC EMBARRASSMENT
Though Washington isn’t a state nor a part of one, the district is allowed to function as an impartial native authorities by the D.C. Dwelling Rule Act, which was enacted in 1973 to provide it some management over its personal legislative affairs. The one caveat is that every one legal guidelines are topic to congressional approval earlier than being enacted, giving members of Congress outsize affect over the 68-square-mile jurisdiction.
“Nowhere within the structure does it give the town of Washington, D.C., statehood. In truth, it says in a form of a roundabout approach, ‘No statehood for D.C.,’” Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) instructed the Washington Examiner. “It is going to all the time stay a district underneath federal management of Congress. Why? As a result of states have sure states’ rights which can be acknowledged. The states created the federal authorities … and Washington, D.C., is the seat of the federal authorities.”
In truth, Clyde would argue for fairly the other: “If there comes a time the place perhaps we needs to be giving again a part of Washington, D.C., to Maryland, then so be it. We do not want that a lot land to be the town of D.C.,” he stated. “I would be tremendous with that.”
Since being elected in 2021, Clyde has repeatedly centered on focusing on Washington’s native governing authority granted by the Dwelling Rule Act, in search of to rein within the district’s energy. Clyde was behind the bipartisan effort to overturn the district’s revised felony code that was handed by the D.C. Council late final yr that sought to make clear the district’s crime legal guidelines and, in some instances, scale back the penalties for violent crimes comparable to carjackings and murder.
That invoice handed the Home and Senate with bipartisan assist earlier this month and was signed into legislation by President Joe Biden final week, marking the primary time in 30 years that Congress has repealed a district legislation handed by the D.C. Council.
Constructing on that legislative success, Clyde is now turning to different district legal guidelines — this time, focusing on a slew of native police reform insurance policies handed within the aftermath of George Floyd’s dying by the hands of legislation enforcement in 2020. A number of of these reforms centered on prohibiting the usage of neck restraints, rising entry to physique digicam footage, and revising officer self-discipline procedures.
Clyde pushed again towards the proposed insurance policies, arguing it will hurt morale among the many Metropolitan Police Division and pressure legislation enforcement capabilities in a metropolis the place crime charges are already on the rise.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
“America [should not be] not defunding our police division, and that is — let’s name this a backdoor technique of defunding the police division,” Clyde stated. “It won’t be financially, but it surely’s by morale. It is a legislation enforcement officer going, ‘I do not wish to work there, not underneath these situations. I am not getting assist from the elected leaders.’”
However focusing on crime legal guidelines is only the start.
Clyde has lengthy advocated reining within the district’s self-governance, vowing final yr that he would introduce a invoice to repeal the Dwelling Rule Act altogether as soon as Republicans took management of the Home. Clyde stated that’s “completely” nonetheless his plan of assault — and he has a powerful sense of assist amongst GOP lawmakers.
“I’ve a whole lot of assist for it,” he instructed the Washington Examiner. “I’ve a whole lot of Republican assist. Of us have come as much as me on the Home flooring and go, ‘Man, thanks for main on that.’”
Though it’s doubtless a decision repealing the Dwelling Rule Act would make its approach by the Republican majority within the Home, it’s unclear whether or not it will stand an opportunity within the Democratic-led Senate. Even then, it’s unlikely to be signed by Biden, who has beforehand expressed assist for district statehood.
Nonetheless, Clyde isn’t ruling out his possibilities simply but, pointing to the bipartisan assist his decision to override the district felony obtained. Thirty-one Home Democrats joined Republicans in backing the measure, in addition to 33 Democrats within the Senate voting in favor.
“I’ve a philosophy to do what’s proper as a result of it is the proper factor to do,” Clyde stated. “Once we do the proper factor, all people is healthier. It positively impacts all people. That’s why I invite the Democrats to hitch us. You realize, the folks gave [Republicans] the [House] majority to do what we expect is correct. And we’re doing what we expect is correct, and, as you noticed, a bunch of Democrats have joined us as a result of they agree.”
In the meantime, native lawmakers in Washington have pushed again towards laws to shrink their legislative authority, denouncing these efforts as a approach to make use of Washington to attain political factors forward of a vital election cycle.
“We have now a really divisive nationwide political discourse proper now … the place the Republicans and the Democrats on the nationwide stage attempt to rating factors towards each other,” Washington Legal professional Common Brian Schwalb instructed the Washington Examiner earlier this month. “This isn’t about public security within the District of Columbia. That is about utilizing the District of Columbia as a pawn in a nationwide political recreation.”
Rep. Eleanor Norton (D), who represents Washington, D.C., within the Home as a nonvoting member, has repeatedly launched laws to increase the district’s energy and free itself from congressional oversight.
“D.C. ought to, and can, be a state,” Norton stated final yr after introducing the District of Columbia Dwelling Rule Enlargement Act. “Nonetheless, till Congress grants D.C. statehood, which is nearer than ever, there is no such thing as a constitutional or coverage motive Congress mustn’t increase D.C.’s authority to control its native affairs.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Clyde’s feedback come simply earlier than a slate of district lawmakers are scheduled to testify earlier than the Home Oversight Committee on Wednesday about their native crime legal guidelines and police reform. The listening to is anticipated to be the primary of a number of as Home Republicans search to crack down on the district’s affairs.
“We will probably be maintaining a tally of what the town of Washington, D.C., does,” Clyde stated. “And you can be seeing that a number of the issues they’ve handed prior to now have to be corrected.”
2 men shot, killed in Temple Hills
Authorities in Prince George’s County are investigating a deadly double shooting that left two men dead in Temple Hills late Tuesday night.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. – A man has been charged with shooting and killing two teenagers in Temple Hills late Tuesday night.
What we know:
The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Duan Goddard of Fort Washington. Goddard is currently in custody in Washington, DC, pending extradition to Prince George’s County.
The victims have been identified as 16-year-old Thomas Smith, Jr. of Washington, D.C., and 16-year-old Michael Bassett of Temple Hills.
Deadly shooting in Temple Hills
Prince George’s County Police were in the area of the 5500 block of Haras Place when they heard the sound of gunshots at 9:35 p.m. The officers canvassed the area and located the two teen victims outside an apartment building in the 5200 block of Haras Place.
Police say Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Bassett died a short time later at a hospital. A third teenager who was with the victims was also shot at but was not struck, according to police.
Goddard is charged with first and second-degree murder and related charges.
We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s free to subscribe!
AAPI Heritage Month is coming to a close. Watch our special here, then consider stopping by one of the restaurants or cultural centers we highlighted before the month is out.
But as one month-long cultural celebration ends, another — Pride Month — begins. We’ve got our big guide to WorldPride here.
Jazz in the Garden is here! The lottery for this weekend’s concert on May 30 is already closed, but it’s not too late to register for first one in June.
Pools are open, if you’re willing to brave the cold and rain to jump on in. Our own Juliana Valencia tried it, and you can too after picking a spot from our handy dandy pool guide.
If you’re craving ocean air, maybe a semi-spontaneous beach trip is in the cards? There are plenty of sandy spots in driving range from the District. We’ve got a list.
Here’s what to do this weekend in the Washington, D.C. area.
What to do in Washington, D.C.
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Frankenstein”: Opens Tues., Klein Theatre in Northwest D.C., $39+
WorldPride Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – D.C. Bryant Street & Crystal City and Atlas Performing Arts Center
World Pride Black Queer Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m., Blackburn Digital Auditorium at Howard University, free
CiNeMatic – “Coco”: Weds., Alethia Tanner Park, free
District of Pride Showcase: Wed., 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, free
Wet and Julie Byrne: Wed., 8 p.m., Union Stage, $33+
Street Fest Art Gallery Openings: Thurs., 5:30-8:30 p.m., Union Market District
Sunset Cinema: Thurs., 7 p.m., Transit Pier at The Wharf, free
First Sips of Summer: Fri., 5-10 p.m., Smoke & Mirrors, $70+
DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks: Fri., 8 p.m., Audi Field
National Arboretum extended hours: Fri., Open until 8 p.m., Northeast D.C., free
Washington Mystics vs. New York Liberty (Pride Night): Fri., 7:30 p.m., CareFirst Arena in Southeast D.C., $62+
Jazz In the Garden: Fri., 6-8:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, free (registration required)
Extraordinary Cinema: The Bourne Identity: Fri., 8:30 p.m., The Reach Lawn at the Kennedy Center, free
Ctrl+Alt+Connect: Spritz Sol Flow: Sat., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Eckington Hall, $58.30
Scavenger Hunt of the Smithsonians: Sat., 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., $20
(D)rafts and (C)rafts: Sat., 1-6 p.m., DC Brau, $10-55
34th Annual Glover Park Day: Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Guy Mason Recreation Center
Newark Street Community Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration: Sat., 1-3 p.m., Newark Street Community Garden, free
Color Me Calm: An Adult Coloring Experience: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Anacostia Arts Center, $30
An Evening In Paris at the Embassy of France: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Embassy of France, $99+
Jazz In the Heights Festival: Sat.-Sun., Sycamore & Oak, free (reserved tickets)
Project Glow ‘25: Sat.-Sun., RFK Festival Grounds, $105+Crochet Classes with Fairy Ring Fibers: Sun., 11 a.m., Rhizome DC, pay what you wish ($35 recommended)
What to do in Maryland
Metallica M72 World Tour: Weds., 6 p.m., Northwest Stadium Landover, $63-$150
Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever: Weds., 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, $101+
Pride Night @ Chesapeake Baysox: Thurs., 5 p.m., Prince Georges Stadium, free
A Taste of Riverworks: Sat., 11 a.m., Poolesville, free
Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Calvert & Bladen Sts. Annapolis, free
EFFERVESCENT: A Pride Social: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Creative Suitland Arts Center, $17.85
In the Life: A LGBTQIA + Pride Celebration: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, free
Salute the Sunset: United States Air Force Concert Band: Sat., 7-8 p.m., National Harbor, free
Pride Family Day: Sun., 11 a.m., Glen Echo Park, free
DMG plays Bowies Summer Sunset: Sun., 6 p.m., Allen Pond Park, free
What to do in Virginia
Thursday Night Trivia: Thurs., 6 p.m., The Spot at Belmont Bay, $25 per team
Lake Anne Sunset Paddle: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Lake Anne Boat Dock, $20
Sunset Concert at River Farm Featuring Soulfire: Thurs., 6-8 p.m., American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, $20 parking (free admission)
Chicago the Musical: Fri.-Sun., Capital One Hall, $80+
Fab Fridays Live Music: All Fired Up: Fri., 7 p.m.., Reston Metro Plaza, free
Arlington Pride Vendor Festival: Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency DCA, free
Nature Journaling Club: Sat., 10 a.m., Del Ray Artisans Gallery, free (bring your own supplies)
Loudon Pride Festival: Sat., 12-6 p.m., Ida Lee Park, $5
Virginia Wine Festival: Sat.-Sun., Tyson’s Corner, $55+
Big Lick Comic Con NOVA: Sat.-Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $25+
Movie at the Mill – ‘Pride & Prejudice’: Sat., 8:30 p.m., Colvin Run Mill, $1016th Annual Taste of Del Ray: Sun., 1-3 p.m., Mount Vernon Recreation Center Fields, $10-$75
A stray shot flew into a man’s home in Northwest D.C. on Sunday evening and killed him, police say they believe according to an initial investigation.
The man was 59-year-old Jose Carcamo of Northwest D.C.
Officers were called to an apartment building in the 1500 block of Ogden Street, in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, at about 6:20 p.m., Executive Asst. Chief Andre Wright told reporters later Sunday.
The man was found in an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. D.C. medics treated the man but he died, Wright said, calling his death “tragic.”
D.C. police have not yet made any arrests, but they say Carcamo was not the intended target.
“We don’t believe that this shooting, which happened in the rear of this location, has anything to do with him,” Wright said.
It started as a normal Sunday evening. Carcamo was eating dinner at his home in Columbia Heights. His mom was in another room when she heard the sound of gunshots and rushed to check on him, only to realize he’d been killed.
Carcamo’s mom lives in El Salvador and had to come to D.C. to spend Mother’s Day with her son.
He worked in construction and was in the process of building a house for her in their home country.
Officers were searching for clues and working to speak with potential witnesses. No information on a suspect was released.
Police will seek justice for the victim, his family and his community, Wright said.
“We can’t shrink in fear. I think that’s what these perpetrators want – but they’re wrong. And so we intend to stand alongside this family and community and bring justice to this community, and for as long as it takes, stay here to help restore the sense of peace that every community deserves,” he said.
Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact police. A $25,000 reward for information is available.
Police say they’re now trying to find surveillance video to help with the investigation, as Carcamo’s mom is now left to grieve her son.
D.C. crime statistics show homicides are down 8% this year compared to the same period last year, with 61 victims this year and 66 last year. Reports of violent crime are down 22%.
Police records show in the past five years, the area around Ogden Street has had seven homicides, 52 assaults with a dangerous weapon and 101 robberies.
One neighbor said it’s why he’s planning to move out.
“People want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and I just have not ever felt safe in this one,” said neighbor Nacho Echazarreta.
Several other neighbors didn’t want to be identified but also told News4 they feel unsafe in the area.
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