The news isn’t surprising given the realities of life in the nation’s capital.
But it serves to underscore just how unsafe the city has become.
Now, a Republican Senate staffer was just victimized in crime-infested Washington, D.C.
A Senate staffer was robbed and carjacked at gunpoint on Thursday.
Amanda Pepper is a scheduler who works in the office of Republican Senator Katie Britt (R-AL).
The incident occurred in the northeast section of the city on the 1200 block of E Street.
Police say that as Pepper was walking toward her building, a man approached her, pointed a gun at her and said, “Give me your keys and purse.”
She complied and handed them over.
When Senator Britt got word of the robbery, she was furious.
Senator: D.C. crime is out of control and local officials need to step up
In a statement, Britt said, “We thank God that she is safe and sound after this terrifying incident, and we’re grateful to the Capitol Police Department and Metropolitan Police Department officers who quickly and professionally responded to the scene. It is infuriating and completely unacceptable that an American who is on Capitol Hill to serve her country cannot safely walk the streets of Washington, D.C. at 8:30 at night because of the out-of-control crime in this city.”
Britt then referenced the crime epidemic in the city, adding, “Just look at the police department’s own numbers – this year, robberies are up 68% and motor vehicle thefts are up 102%. Local elected officials in the District of Columbia have the responsibility not just to their citizens, but to the country, to step up and get a hold of the crime crisis ravaging the streets of our nation’s capital.”
Part of a troubling trend
Pepper is just the latest among a growing list of those working on Capitol Hill who have been attacked in the District of Columbia.
A member of Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) staff was attacked in March.
At the time, Paul released a statement saying, “This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C. Paul said in a statement. I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time, we would ask for privacy, so everyone can focus on healing and recovery.”
Earlier this month, Rep. Henry Cueller (D-TX) was also carjacked in the city.
These attacks are all occurring against the backdrop of a general rise in crime in our nation’s capital.
A new report shows that Washington, D.C. is on pace to have its highest number of homicides in two decades.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
