Scores of teenagers swarm DC Navy Yard in disorderly takeover with gunfire

Teenagers Take Over DC Navy Yard

On Saturday night, March 14, 2026, a large crowd of teenagers gathered in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The scene quickly became chaotic, leading to fights, robberies, and gunfire.

Yemisi Egbewole, a former adviser in the Biden administration, took to social media to criticize the situation, stating, “Blue cities need to wake up.” She expressed concern for residents and young people alike, emphasizing the need for accountability in such incidents.

This unrest occurred just days after a temporary youth curfew was instituted in the area. While the citywide curfew for minors is set for 11 p.m., critics point out that issues relating to teenage crime continue to be a problem.

Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred during the disorder while stressing that the behavior witnessed was unacceptable. Officials highlighted the importance of parental responsibility, urging guardians to stay informed about their children’s whereabouts.

The disturbances reportedly began around 6:30 p.m. near First Street and New Jersey Avenue SE, with the crowd growing to approximately 200 teenagers by 8:30 p.m. Social media clips captured groups of youths, mostly dressed in black, running and shouting as police tried to manage the situation.

Shortly before 9:15 p.m., an assault took place where a group of teenagers attacked another and stole his shoes and jacket. This was soon followed by further fights nearby.

As the night progressed, around 9:45 p.m., National Guard members noticed a 15-year-old boy firing a gun into the air and apprehended him. He faces multiple charges, including unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Further chaos ensued when another group of teens robbed two boys near New Jersey Avenue and M Street, resulting in injuries that required hospital treatment for the victims.

Later, at around 10:34 p.m., the Secret Service arrested a 16-year-old boy after officers found a gun he attempted to dispose of while evading capture.