Latest news with #PamelaSmith
Axios
5 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
D.C. boosts security for WorldPride and other big summer events
D.C. is gearing up for another month of big events and high security, starting with WorldPride festivities. Why it matters: Police are beefing up patrols for the special events in June, including a parade for WorldPride, the U.S. Army's June 14 parade, and FIFA Club World Cup matches. State of play: There are no credible threats to WorldPride, which kicked off May 17 but heats up this weekend with Shakira's welcome concert at Nats Park, said D.C. police chief Pamela Smith at a press conference on Thursday. Organizers expect over a million visitors in D.C. for the celebration that runs through June 8. LGBTQ+ groups have published travel advisories for transgender and non-binary travelers to the U.S. due to Trump administration policies. What they're saying: "Stay vigilant," Smith told the public as D.C. increases police presence around WorldPride events and draws law enforcement support from neighboring jurisdictions. She urged revelers to report anything that seems off. People can also text "WorldPrideDC" to 888-777 for emergency and event updates. After early signs of lower-than-expected hotel bookings for WorldPride, interest has "surged" in recent days, according to Destination DC CEO Elliott Ferguson. WorldPride has a jam-packed schedule in early June, including a massive parade from Logan Circle to near the Capitol, capped off by a concert on Pennsylvania Avenue. Security is being upped with new fencing. Meanwhile, free tickets are available for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade on June 14. More security and road closure details are expected to be announced in the coming days for the evening parade on Constitution Avenue. The Secret Service is taking the lead, marking it a National Special Security Event, which puts it on par with Inauguration Day. Later in the month, Audi Field will host three FIFA Club World Cup games — on June 18 (Al Ain FC vs. Juventus), June 22 (FC Salzburg vs. Al Hilal) and June 26 (Wydad AC vs. Al Ain FC). Between the lines: Crime typically increases in the summer months, with longer days and schools closed. D.C. had a recent spate of seven homicides in five days. Homicides are down 3% year-over-year, while total violent crime is down 22% so far.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
The Bulletin May 22, 2025
The rundown: Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a suspect who shouted "free, free Palestine" as he was arrested, police said. Find out more about the incident. Why it matters: Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting, and was detained by event security. Smith said authorities believe the gunman acted alone. Around 9:08 p.m., calls came in to police regarding the shooting, according to the chief, saying one adult male and one adult female were pronounced dead. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the suspect "a vile antisemitic murderer" in a statement released by his office, and said he was increasing security for Israeli officials all around the world. Read more in-depth coverage: Trump Responds to Israeli Embassy Staff Killings in DC: 'Must End' TL/DR: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a news conference late Wednesday night said that she will not tolerate acts of antisemitism in the city, adding that the deadly gunfire may frighten a lot of people. What happens now? Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X, 'We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.' Deeper reading Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC Shooting: 'Antisemitic Terrorism'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gun violence prevention expert discusses what can be done amidst violent stretch in DC
WASHINGTON () — It has been a violent couple of weeks in the District. In just over two weeks, there have been 15 confirmed deadly shootings in D.C. A total of 17 people have died. A fatal shooting has happened in all four quadrants over that time. It two in Southeast, inside his Northwest home, the accidental by a 14-year-old girl who was filming a video for social media and the killing of two people. While some of the shootings have had different characteristics, D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith said most of the shootings MPD is investigating are not random. 'We are seeing too many, and I'll emphasize 'too many,' interpersonal conflicts where the results are the production of firearms to resolve these conflicts,' she said. 'Individuals are losing their lives over something that we strongly believe could be handled and managed with just a conversation.' DC police chief says youth curfew was a success during Memorial Day weekend With the latest violent stretch, DC News Now asked a gun violence prevention worker his opinion on what can be done. 'There's a lot we can do,' said Marcus Ellis, the previous executive director of Peace for DC and current deputy of impact with Cities United — an organization that works to prevent gun violence across the country. 'A part of that is our city having a true, comprehensive strategic plan to how we approach gun violence.' Ellis said that plan should include policing, adequately staffed hospitals, and, crucially, violence interrupters. 'They have what we call a lived experience,' Ellis said. He described how he felt that lived experience makes them more likely to be able to break up conflicts before a gun is used. When asked if D.C. is doing enough currently with violence interrupters, Ellis said, 'I honestly don't think so.' 'I think that we lack strategy,' he said. 'Our mayor has been amazing in terms of her investment in the work. However, D.C. is known to be a city that is resource-rich and coordination-poor.' While homicides are now matching the levels at this time in 2024, violent crime is still down overall by about 20% in D.C., according to statistics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DC police chief says Memorial Day weekend juvenile curfew was 'a success'
The Brief D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith says the Memorial Day weekend juvenile curfew was a success. The police department has been under pressure to address escalating violence and disorder involving juveniles. To provide alternatives for teens, the city opened the Banneker Recreation Center, which saw more than 700 young people over the weekend. WASHINGTON - D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith is calling this past weekend's juvenile curfew a success, following growing concerns over large youth gatherings in the city that have frequently turned chaotic. What we know The Metropolitan Police Department has been under pressure to address escalating violence and disorder involving juveniles, particularly in popular nightlife, tourist and entertainment areas. In response, the department implemented a targeted youth curfew over the holiday weekend. Chief Smith said the curfew—which prohibited anyone under 18 from being at The Wharf without a parent or guardian from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.—resulted in a peaceful holiday period with no reported incidents in the Wharf Area. "This weekend emphasized to me and some of our leaders and our parents that we can achieve great success when we work together to support our youth by creating structure, providing initiatives and staying focused on prevention," said Smith. She also issued a message to families. "Just a reminder to our parents and our guardians: please know where your children are. I've said it over and over again—we want our young people to thrive in our community. We want them to be successful, and one of the reasons why we impose the curfew specifically at The Wharf was to be sure that we are not having disorderly behavior in those areas," Smith said. According to police, the few juveniles seen at The Wharf were encouraged to leave and did so without incident. While the Wharf remained calm, enforcement in other parts of the city continued. Officers issued 13 curfew citations, mainly in the U Street corridor, and a total of six juveniles were arrested citywide over the weekend. Dig deeper To provide alternatives for teens, the city also opened the Banneker Recreation Center, which saw more than 700 young people participate in activities throughout the weekend. Public response to the curfew has been largely supportive, with many emphasizing the role of parents in ensuring youth safety. "It comes down to parenting, and knowing where your kids are," said Cathy Randall, a local resident. "One of the things we need to do is strengthen families," added youth and family advocate Stuart Anderson. "When we have stronger families, it leads to stronger communities." Chief Smith also addressed the broader issue of gun violence in the city, noting several shootings over the weekend. She emphasized that in many of these cases, the individuals involved knew each other. "We are seeing far too many instances of people resorting to firearms to resolve their conflicts," she said. As summer approaches and school lets out, city leaders say they plan to continue curfew enforcement and invest in more youth programming in hopes of reducing violence and providing safe spaces for D.C.'s young people.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2 detained after woman shot, killed in Southeast DC neighborhood 'feud'
WASHINGTON - Two suspects have been detained after a woman was shot and killed in Southeast D.C. on Tuesday in what police say was essentially a "feud" between neighbors. What we know At 12:42 p.m, on May 27, police were called to the 2300 block of Pitts Place, Southeast, for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a woman unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite all life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith spoke about the incident in a press briefing Tuesday afternoon, saying it was apparently the result of an ongoing feud between neighbors. "They've been in conflict for quite some time," Smith said. "These are folks that know each other." Smith said surveillance video obtained by police showed the victim being chased down by a man and a woman. The man pulled out a gun and shot the victim. What we don't know Police say two suspects have been detained following the shooting. The identities of the individuals are not known at this time. Chief Smith also said that two homes were being barricaded and searched for a firearm believed to be connected to the shooting. It has not yet been found. Smith said according to witnesses at the scene, the neighbors had ongoing issues, and this was the tragic end. "We are seeing far too many interpersonal conflicts being settled with guns," Smith said. "Put the guns down, this is not the way to resolve a dispute." Police also issued a lookout for a Black man with dreadlocks, wearing all black clothing, wearing grey or white sneakers, armed with a handgun. He was last seen headed northbound on Morris Road, Southeast. Anyone with additional information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text the Department's tip line at 50411. The Source Metropolitan Police Department
