Congressional staffer carjacked at gunpoint in navy yard, two teens arrested

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A senior staff member of a U.S. Representative was carjacked at gunpoint near the 400 block of M Street SE in the Navy Yard neighborhood, prompting an immediate investigation and leading to the arrest of two juveniles, police said.

The incident occurred Thursday evening, when three individuals, at least one of whom was armed, approached the victim and stole a Mazda CX-5. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that two of the suspects, identified only as 14- and 15-year-old males, were arrested shortly afterward.

Police have not released the name of the congressional staffer, citing privacy concerns, but confirmed the individual is a senior aide working on Capitol Hill. The third suspect remains at large as of Monday.

“CITIZEN CARJACKED IN NAVY YARD AT GUNPOINT: 400 Bl. of M St. S.E.,” a local public safety alert posted by @NFTC_News on X stated, citing the armed nature of the robbery and confirming the involvement of the D.C. police.

The carjacking occurred in a well-trafficked residential and commercial area less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol, drawing concern from Hill staffers and residents over rising youth-involved violent crime in the district.

Youth crime and carjackings spark concern in Capitol area

Carjackings involving juveniles have been on the rise across the District in recent months. MPD statistics show an increase in auto-related armed robberies in 2024, with several involving suspects under 18.

Authorities said the two teens taken into custody are facing charges related to armed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police have not indicated whether federal charges could be considered due to the victim’s government employment.

The vehicle was recovered within hours of the incident. Officials said no injuries were reported, and the victim declined medical attention at the scene.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD leadership have recently faced scrutiny over crime rates in high-profile areas, including Navy Yard and Capitol Hill, where multiple incidents involving government employees have been reported this year.

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