WASHINGTON, D.C. — A viral video showing federal agents tackling a man near the National Mall has sparked fierce backlash — but not just for the dramatic takedown. Fox News host Jessica Tarlov is under fire after criticizing the arrest of the man, who was later identified as an illegal migrant from Mexico wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Tarlov, co-host of “The Five,” ignited outrage online Wednesday after reposting the video with the comment, “This doesn’t make D.C. safer. It’ll just make people not come to D.C. The cruelty is always the point.”
Her remarks followed NBC4 reporter Aimee Cho’s viral footage showing David Perez-Teofani being surrounded by law enforcement officers before fleeing on foot and being forcefully tackled to the pavement. As he was restrained, Perez-Teofani screamed in Spanish, “Please, I’m not a criminal, I work here, I want to be with my family.”
Tarlov’s reaction drew swift criticism once it was revealed that Perez-Teofani had been previously arrested in Fairfax County for the aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13. The arrest occurred in January, according to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who later confirmed the man’s record publicly on social media.
What we know:
- From Mexico
- Has final order of removal
- Entered the U.S. illegally 3 times
- He was arrested in Fairfax County on Jan. 30, 2024
- Charged with aggravated sexual battery against a minor under 13, felony indecent liberties – proposed sex acts
“Yes, this illegal alien from Mexico was previously arrested… for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13,” McLaughlin wrote on X. “Glad he is off of Washington DC’s streets.”
The arrest unfolded just blocks from major monuments in D.C., part of a recent crackdown that followed President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “crime emergency” in the city. Trump’s order brought thousands of federal agents and National Guard troops into D.C. to assist with rising crime and immigration enforcement.
In the video, Perez-Teofani can be seen standing near his blue SUV surrounded by officers, including members of Homeland Security Investigations. Without warning, he attempted to flee but was quickly tackled by agents.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace slammed the far-left progressive Democrat.
“IDK about you, @JessicaTarlov , but I think child rapists should be off the street and offered capital punishment,” Mace said.
Tarlov has not responded to calls for clarification on whether she was aware of the charges when she posted her comments. Critics have accused her of rushing to defend someone without knowing the full context of the case.
Tarlov’s original tweet appears to have been deleted.
ICE has not confirmed whether Perez-Teofani will be deported or first face prosecution for the Virginia child sex crime charges. Officials have also not clarified why he remained in the U.S. after his initial arrest.
Key Points
- Fox News host Jessica Tarlov criticized the arrest of a man later revealed to be wanted for child sex assault
- The suspect, David Perez-Teofani, is an illegal migrant previously charged in Virginia for abusing a child under 13
- Tarlov’s remarks came as the arrest video went viral, triggering political and public backlash
Fox News host caught in firestorm after defending fugitive child sex suspect tackled by feds in DC.