The Navy Yard neighborhood in Washington, D.C., is facing growing concern after a second large-scale gathering of teenagers led to chaos, property incursions, and criminal activity. Just weeks after an April 18 incident that drew hundreds of youth to the area, a second major convergence occurred on May 17, raising alarm among residents, local officials, and law enforcement.
At the May 20 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F, community members and leaders voiced frustration, fear, and a desire for swift policy changes to curb what some are calling an ongoing public safety threat.
“A Planned Attack on Our Community”
Commissioner Edward Daniels described the youth gatherings as a “planned attack on our community orchestrated by youth from across the region.” He and others at the meeting detailed disturbing accounts of teenagers entering private residential buildings, engaging in fights in public spaces, robbing adults outside bars, and yelling at police officers.
Daniels emphasized that the summer season, which typically sees higher youth activity, hasn’t even begun, suggesting that further escalations may be on the horizon without intervention.
Law Enforcement Responds
MPD Captain Adam Crist reported that calls began coming into police around 7 p.m. on May 17, with the first major incident occurring near First and M Streets SE. Another significant confrontation happened around 10 p.m. near the Bullpen, a popular local venue, where phones were stolen during a fight, and teens disrupted a nearby restaurant…