At least three congressional staffers were robbed at gunpoint over the past weekend in Washington, D.C.
According to Breitbart News, the alarming incidents occurred in the Navy Yard area, illustrating a stark upsurge in violent crimes near the Capitol.
The targets included staffers from the offices of Representatives Dan Bishop (R-NC) and Mike Collins (R-GA). These brazen robberies involved two connected incidents early Monday morning, believed to be orchestrated by the same suspects. The events began when four victims encountered suspects in a black sedan with tinted windows.
During this encounter, a gunman emerged and demanded valuables. Greater details from the episodes indicate a violent escalation. Octavian Miller, one of the staffers, along with his friend, attempted to resist, leading to a physical altercation. Miller's friend successfully struck one of the assailants, a move that prevented further escalation.
This crime spree in Navy Yard is part of a broader and concerning trend in Washington, D.C. Recent data points to a 39% increase in violent crimes in 2023 over the previous year, with homicides reaching the highest levels since 1997. As of the current year, police records already show a troubling 1,520 violent crimes, which include 80 homicides.
The second robbery incident of the night involved another group of four, including yet another congressional staffer and an intern. This time, the assailants made off with iPhones, a gold necklace, and a watch.
Such incidents are not isolated. Following earlier attacks on Capitol Hill staff—including a stabbing and a separate armed robbery—the House Administration Committee issued a warning in October 2023 advising staff on safety precautions.
Octavian Miller expressed his relief and broader concerns following the confrontation. He stated: "I thank God that nothing else bad happened to us... It is quite unfortunate that we live in a city where it feels like you have to fend for yourself. So, I’m just thankful that God protected the two of us during this situation."
Reflecting on the incidents, Representative Dan Bishop praised Miller's bravery and criticized the prevalent crime in D.C., attributing it to failed policies. He underscored an 'utter indictment of our capital city' due to the commonplace nature of such violent crimes.
Meanwhile, Representative Mike Collins pointed to the inadequacies of local governance in tackling the crime rate. He strongly advocated for a reevaluation of D.C.'s autonomy in managing its security affairs, proposing Congress to reassume control to enforce stricter legal repercussions for criminal activities.
Amidst ongoing debates about safety and governance, the congressional staffers caught in these frightening situations have voiced a plea for more substantial protective measures from city leaders.
Octavian Miller urged Washington, D.C.'s leadership to prioritize the safety of its constituents, emphasizing the basic need to feel secure without the constant threat of violence.
In response to this wave of violence, citizens and leaders like Representatives Bishop and Collins are calling for significant reformative actions. They argue that restoring safety and order in the nation's capital is a local and national priority.
