WASHINGTON, DC – In a recent development, the U.S. Capitol Police have taken over an investigation involving an armed carjacking incident that occurred Monday evening. The Metropolitan Police Department initially responded to the incident, which took place around 9:32 p.m. at the intersection of New Jersey and K Street, Southeast. The victim of the carjacking was identified as a member of Congress, prompting the involvement of the Capitol Police.
The crime scene was visited by House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who was seen alongside the victim, identified as U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas. The Capitol police were busy processing the scene and taking a statement from Cuellar. The incident took place in DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood, with no reported injuries. Detectives are currently working to locate the suspect.
This incident marks the second time this year that a Democratic member of Congress has fallen victim to a crime in the nation’s capital. Earlier in February, Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig was assaulted in an elevator at her apartment building. She managed to fend off her attacker.
The carjacking incident involving Cuellar comes just a fortnight after an open forum was held on Capitol Hill. The forum, attended by members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff, was focused on discussing public safety in the surrounding neighborhoods.
This year has seen several congressional staffers fall victim to crime in the district. Among them was a staff member of U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, who was brutally attacked after leaving a Congressional baseball game in June. Additionally, a member of Sen. Rand Paul’s staff was attacked in broad daylight in March.