Washington, D.C

Crime is just the beginning as GOP seeks to rein in DC’s liberal government

Published

1 year ago

March 29, 2023

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.

Speaker of the Home Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., left, joined by Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., middle, and Home Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., proper, holds a ceremony to nullify the D.C. crime invoice on the Capitol in Washington, Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photograph/J. Scott Applewhite)

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.”

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Washington, D.C

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Fourth of July at the Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives . It starts at 10am, but doors open at 9am. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy entertainment by the Experience Band and Show. After that, celebrate like it’s 1776! There will be lots of fun family activities,…meet historic figures, do some arts & crafts, and sign the Declaration of Independence yourself!

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: July 4, 11:05am (and July 3)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park. The July 4th game against the Mets is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue. And, FYI, the evening of July 3, and there will be post-game Freedom Fireworks, plus more promos for the rest of the games.

Root for the Baysox (& Firrworks)
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: July 3, 6:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
For baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox are hosting an Independence Day Celebration at their July 3 game against the Richmond FLying Squirrels. Enjoy the action on the field and fire works afterwards.

National Independence Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th Streets | DC
When: July 4, 11:45am
Admission: Free
Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. Scores of spectators always line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day as it make its way from 7th to 17th Street. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry. Stake out your spot along the route early, as this event attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers every year.

4th of July in the District
Where: 13th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 5-10:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the second annual 4th of July in the District Concert featuring performances by the United States Air Force Band with Gavin Degraw and more acts to follow with live broadcast nationally on CNN. There will also be family friendly activities, food trucks, and more. The concert is free and seating is first come, first serve.

A Capitol Fourth
Where: West Lawn on the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 4, 8pm; gates open at 3pm
Admission: Free
The annual Independence Day concert at the Capitol airs live on PBS, but you can see the musical pageantry in person. Alfonso Rabiro will be hosting this year’s show, which will include performances by Alfonso Ribiero, Sheila E, Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss, Fantasia, the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and many more exciting acts. (KFDC Tip: Enjoy the show with less crowds at the dress rehearsal on July 3 – same time and place!)

Fireworks on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9pm
Admission: Free
The grand finale of the day: Shortly after 9pm, the sky above the National Mall will explode with color when the amazing iconic fireworks display begins. Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, but you can find a place on or off the Mall to watch them (see tips below for a list of places to view them).

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: July 4, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, a performance by the National concert band and more live entertainment, and a chance to meet General Washington himself. See the full schedule of events here and read more about Mount Vernon here.

Family Day: Summer Party
Where: Capitol Jewish Museum | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The museum invites you to join them before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from friends at National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate a tradition for your home with mezuzah activities. They’ll also have themed crafts and activities and classic outdoor games and music on the newly opened 3rd floor terrace. Plus, build a goodie bag to enjoy during the fireworks!

Fourth at the Wharf
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: July 4, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a free celebration on District Pier. The celebration includes music, a bar for adults, and spectacular views of the annual fireworks launched from the National Mall. They also offer a VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO that gives you exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building on the tip of District Pie, complete with two complimentary drink tickets (additional beverages for purchase), all-American light fare, DJ, games, photo station, and a raffle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Neighborhood Parades & Celebrations
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Most on July 4, times vary
Admission: Free
Keep it close to home at a community celebration. You likely are aware of July 4th events taking place in your neighborhood or nearby, but if you’re still looking for a hyperlocal fête, here are some that are known to be good ones: Capitol Hill (we can vouch it’s great from many years attending), Palisades, Takoma Park, College Park, Great Falls, McLean.

July 4th Celebration
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home | Petworth, DC
When: July 4, 4-9:30pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join the 10th annual July 4th Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Enjoy live entertainment, bouncy fun, a kids’ scooter parade and contest, activities for all ages, and views of the evening fireworks on the National Mall. Concessions will also be for sale and plentiful.

4th of July Picnic
Where: Greenbelt Baptist Church | Greenbelt, MD
When: July 4, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
All are invited to join the Greenbelt Baptist Church for their annual 4th of July celebration. There will be food, games, music face painting, moon bouncing, and more. Stop by on the way to Buddy Attik lake where there will be fireworks in the evening.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration
Where: Great Meadow | The Plains, VA
When: July 4, 5pm
Admission: $50/car
Great Meadow, a 74-acre park and home of the Virginia Gold Cup races, is bringing back its famous fireworks show and activities for the 34th year a couple of days ahead of the 4th. Join for family games like cornhole toss, sack races, face painting, tug-of war, and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food on site — there will be food trucks and a beer garden. A spectacular fireworks display gets underway at dusk. BYO blankets and chairs for comfortable viewing (no umbrellas or tents, unless in reserved tailgate spaces.)

July 4th Fest
Where: Six Flags | Bowie, MD
When: July 4-6
Admission: Starts at $35
With amusement park fun thrown into the mix, Six Flags’ celebration will be pretty epic for kids. Along with all of the ongoing fun throughout the venue, there will also be fireworks, music, and lots of Coca Cola (sponsors of the event) on Independence Day and two days leading up to the holiday.

More July 4th Tips!
* Find off-the-Mall suggestions for viewing the fireworks.
* If you’re headed into DC, take public transportation! Cannot stress enough what a bad idea it would be to drive.
* Eater DC has a round-up of restaurants celebrating July 4th.
* For more activities during the long weekend following the 4th, see the KFDC Summer Guide.

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Washington, D.C

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Family presses for justice after charges dropped in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

WASHINGTON – D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

They say the evidence wasn’t there but the family of the man who died disagrees and is continuing their search for justice.

It was 2 a.m. on Feb. 2 when a fight broke out between a man and 41-year-old Virginia Tech Executive Vivek Taneja. It was all caught on camera,

Prosecutors say it’s unclear whether it was a punch or him falling to the ground but Taneja would later die from his injuries.

FOX 5 obtained video of the fight through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In it, Tanaja is seen sitting in a courtyard with two women.

Then, a man in gray, who the Washington Post is reporting was a former Arlington police officer, is walking and then stops and starts talking to the three of them.

It appears a verbal altercation begins, with the two women trying to separate the men. Then, punches are thrown. Taneja winds up unconscious on the ground, unconscious.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Victim dies after assault in Northwest, death ruled as a homicide: police

In a letter announcing that they’re declining to press charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who called this death tragic, indicated they believe it was Taneja who threw the first punch in the scuffle and didn’t think charges applied, adding that they’d have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other man was not acting in self-defense.

While the U.S. Attorney says they investigated this thoroughly, family, and attorneys representing Vivek Taneja have requested a different team of prosecutors review the case.

They also challenge the conclusion that Taneja threw the first punch, and think more investigating needs to be done to add additional context to what happened leading up to the video.

The U.S. Attorney’s office declined further comment beyond the letter notifying that they weren’t pressing charges.

FOX 5’s David Kaplan will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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