President Donald Trump recently voiced concerns about crime in Washington, D.C., following the attempted carjacking of Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, a longtime staffer for the Department of Government Efficiency. This incident occurred over the weekend and involved Coristine and a woman identified as his partner.
Two 15-year-olds from Maryland were arrested in connection with the crime, which has sparked a broader discussion about youth crime in the capital. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the rising violence, claiming that young offenders are wreaking havoc with little consequence. He insisted that minors as young as 14 should face adult charges if they commit serious crimes.
“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the city,” he said, suggesting that tougher measures are needed against crime. His call for federal intervention echoed a sentiment shared by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk recounted a recent incident where a member of the Doge team defended a woman from an assault in D.C., leading to severe injuries for the Good Samaritan.
The police report from Coristine’s attack mentioned that about ten juveniles surrounded his car. Officers intervened, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others fled. Coristine managed to protect his partner during the chaos. This incident has drawn attention to an ongoing issue — youth violence in urban areas.
Interestingly, despite Trump’s claims of rampant crime, official data shows that violent crime in Washington has decreased by 26% compared to last year. However, the tragic shooting of a congressional intern just weeks ago highlights the dangers still present in certain neighborhoods.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, while speaking on the matter, emphasized efforts to remove firearms and drugs from the streets. Her statements suggest that local officials are focused on improving safety, though skepticism about these commitments remains.
Historically, discussions about federal control of D.C. are not new. The city, subject to unique governance limitations, has seen repeated calls for increased federal oversight, especially during upticks in violence or political turmoil.
As public concern over these issues grows, social media platforms are buzzing with reactions. Many are debating the effectiveness of current crime-fighting strategies and the role of community support in addressing these problems. With rising attention on youth crime, experts point to the importance of community programs and support systems to help guide young people away from criminal activity.
For more on crime trends and safety initiatives, see the Washington Post’s report for further insights.
