Teen takeover invades D.C.’s Navy Yard during juvenile curfew and arrests

Teens Crowd Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard Amid Curfew

Over the weekend, teenagers gathered in significant numbers at the Navy Yard waterfront in Washington, D.C., continuing a trend of “viral takeovers” that have raised concerns for local officials.

A video shared on X by activist Elissa de Sousa captured a large crowd forming at a bustling intersection in the area on Sunday. She expressed her disappointment, stating, “What was supposed to be a great night out at the Navy Yard turned into something far too common. This isn’t just a one-off incident; it’s a recurring issue, happening many times late into the night. Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy a beautiful day, support new businesses, and have a peaceful meal without fearing for their safety or being disturbed.”

This incident coincided with the introduction of a temporary youth curfew by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that aimed to restrict gatherings of young people in the Navy Yard.

The curfew, in effect from Friday to Sunday nights, prohibited those under 18 from congregating in groups of nine or more in specific areas, although there were exceptions. It ran from 8 PM to 11 PM each night, as police had been working to increase their presence in the Navy Yard and other neighborhoods where similar disturbances had occurred before.

Authorities noted that while some groups engaged in unruly behavior on Saturday night, they were dispersed without any serious incidents. There were no reported crimes in the curfew zone during the weekend and no arrests made related to the gathering.

However, outside of the curfew zone, Metro Transit Police arrested four individuals at the nearby Waterfront subway station, though specific details regarding those arrests weren’t immediately clear. The MPD also noted that there were six violations of the curfew rule within the Navy Yard area on Sunday night.

Interim Police Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors, adding that they aim to support environments where young people can gather and enjoy what the city has to offer.

A citywide curfew for youth, applicable daily from 11 PM to 6 AM, is still in force, with authorities urging parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children, especially as spring break is ongoing.