DC Attorney General on Juvenile Crime and National Guard Deployment
Washington, DC Attorney General Brian Schwarb expressed a commitment to address juvenile crime following headlines about recent attacks reported on CNN’s “Arena with Casey Hunt.” His comments came amid discussions about deploying the National Guard to Washington, which has faced rising crime rates.
During an interview, CNN’s Kasie Hunt questioned Schwarb about a law allowing individuals “up to 24” to receive more lenient sentences from judges. She cited specific cases, including a 13-year-old girl sentenced in 2023 after being involved in a man’s death and other violent incidents linked to juveniles.
“These reports are quite different from when I first arrived,” Schwarb noted, emphasizing the increase in serious juvenile offenses. He highlighted that a 16-year-old had shot and killed a military interpreter during a carjacking. Schwarb mentioned the need for safety in the community and whether the existing juvenile justice laws effectively address these issues.
He pointed out that his office had been dealing with a considerable number of young offenders prior to the pandemic. “Our mayor had to issue an executive order to expand our juvenile detention capabilities because we are prosecuting many cases,” he said.
In a press conference, President Trump announced a decision to put the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control while deploying the National Guard, a move responding to escalating violent crime. This decision followed several high-profile criminal cases in the city.
Hunt pressed Schwarb about whether youths found guilty should be charged as adults in certain situations. “Under existing laws, youths can be charged as either adults or juveniles, depending on the circumstances. Our laws are in effect, and our prosecutors are actively working,” he stated.
Schwarb also noted that most crimes in the city are committed by adults, and his office handles juvenile cases through family court jurisdiction. He emphasized the existing structure for prosecuting such offenses.
In an interview with Fox’s Sean Hannity, US Attorney for DC Janine Pillo described a group of teenagers aged 14 to 17 who are committing crimes, often evading serious charges unless they are involved in severe offenses like murder or armed robbery. The White House noted that juvenile arrests have been consistently rising since 2020, with many charged with violent crimes.
The announcement of the National Guard’s deployment followed violent incidents, including the shooting of a GOP intern and attacks on embassy staff near notable locations in the city.
Despite claims of decreased crime rates, some Democrats and media commentators are trying to downplay the issue. They point out a reported 35% decline in crime in 2024 but rely on local police data that may overlook serious offenses like aggravated assault.
