WASHINGTON, D.C. — A series of arrests made by U.S. Park Police in Dupont Circle and Logan Circle on Tuesday evening has stirred controversy and concern among residents and social media users. The enforcement actions, captured in part on video, have reignited debates over the policing of public spaces in the District.
Arrests for Public Consumption in Federal Parks
According to U.S. Park Police, a total of four individuals were arrested—three for possession of open alcohol containers and one for publicly smoking marijuana. While possession of marijuana is legal in D.C., smoking it in public spaces, especially on federal land, remains illegal and can result in misdemeanor charges or fines up to $500.
The arrests occurred in Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, both of which are federally maintained parks under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
Viral Video Sparks Outcry
A TikTok user known as MaiFlower posted a video from the scene, showing plainclothes officers exiting an unmarked vehicle after arresting a man for smoking marijuana in the park. The clip quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking heated discussions online.
“This is like a quiet area. The fact that they would arrest some random guy for smoking weed… we literally live in 1984,” she said in the video…