Majority of Carjacking Suspects in Washington, DC, Are Minors

Recent police data reveal that over half of those arrested for carjacking in Washington, DC, in the past two years are teenagers, predominantly aged 15 and 16. Since August 2023, 333 suspects have been apprehended, with 60% of juveniles aged 15 or 16, and some as young as 12 and 17.

The statistics have fueled calls for statutory changes, with President Trump advocating for teenagers as young as 14 to be prosecuted as adults to combat the city’s violent crime surge.

Over the past two years, there have been 1,046 carjackings, with 72% involving firearms. Meanwhile, vehicle thefts without owners present remained steady at around 2,847 incidents.

In a recent incident, a 19-year-old former city official was severely beaten by a group of 10 youths during an attempted carjacking while he was trying to prevent it. Two 15-year-olds involved have been arrested.

Trump criticized the city’s crime situation, citing assaults by very young individuals, and called for harsher penalties, including prosecuting minors as adults starting at age 14. He warned that if local authorities do not improve safety, he would assume control of the city.

DC’s Attorney General has historically been lenient on juvenile offenders, emphasizing rehabilitation over prosecution as adults. Critics argue this approach incentivizes gangs to recruit young juveniles for violent crimes, knowing their punishments are minimal.

Despite the district’s efforts, including an 11 p.m. curfew for minors and the formation of specialized task forces, crime continues to escalate. Recent incidents include the murder of a young intern, and multiple carjackings involving elected officials and law enforcement personnel.