Rising Crime Around Capitol Hill Sparks Safety Concerns Among Lawmakers
• House Republicans concerned about rising crime near Capitol Hill, citing increases in robberies, carjackings affecting lawmakers and staff • Capitol Police Chief confirms officers responding more often to criminal activity near Capitol, showed video of officers apprehending robbery suspect • Police union rep says MPD officer staffing over 500 below needed levels, contributing to crime increases in Ward 6 • One Congress member carjacked last year; several staffers robbed at gunpoint recently • DC Council passed public safety package increasing penalties for some crimes, though Mayor and Del. Norton say citywide crime down year-to-date