DC Government

“Mayor Bowser’s Letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf Regarding Inauguration Preparations”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From the Office of the Mayor:

“January 9, 2021

The Honorable Chad F. Wolf
Acting Secretary
United States Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

Dear Acting Secretary Wolf:

Following the unprecedented terrorist attack on the United States Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and the continued threat of related violence in the District of Columbia, we are extremely concerned about the upcoming National Special Security Event (NSSE) led by the United States Secret Service. We believe strongly that the 59th Presidential Inauguration on January 20 will require a very different approach than previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection. While I will be reaching out to a broad range of local, regional, and federal partners to enhance cooperation among our bodies, I strongly urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to adjust its approach to the Inauguration in several specific ways. (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Issues Mayor’s Order Extending Today’s Public Emergency for 15 Days”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Tim Brown

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, First Amendment protests turned violent. Many persons came to the District armed and for the purpose of engaging in violence and destruction and have engaged in violence and destruction. They have fired chemical irritants, bricks, bottles, and guns. They have breached the security of the Capitol and their destructive and riotous behavior has the potential to spread beyond the Capitol. Their motivation is ongoing. (more…)

Reports That the D.C. National Guard on the way to the Capitol

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by DP 3:25pm

DP reports: “police escorting buses towards the capitol”

From the DC Council: “We understand that the request has subsequently been approved since we posted this online moments ago, but wanted to share it with you for the record.

DC COUNCIL STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’S DENIAL OF DC’S NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT REQUEST

The District of Columbia Council issued the following statement today:

Today, the Department of Defense denied a request by Mayor Muriel Bowser to expand the responsibilities of the District of Columbia National Guard so that they would be authorized to protect and restore order at the Capitol Building. That request was denied.

The Council is in full support of the Mayor’s request. We are appalled that this fundamental request was denied. We urge the Department of Defense to reconsider their decision, and to allow the National Guard to restore safety and sanctity to the Capitol, the cornerstone of our Democracy.”


Photo by Elena (more…)

BREAKING: “Mayor Bowser Orders Citywide Curfew Beginning at 6PM Today”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7.

During the hours of the curfew, no person, other than persons designated by the Mayor, shall walk, bike, run, loiter, stand, or motor by car or other mode of transport upon any street, alley, park, or other public place within the District.

The curfew imposed by the Mayor’s Order shall not apply to essential workers, including working media with their outlet-issued credentials, when engaged in essential functions, including travel to and from their essential work.”

AG Racine joins Mayor Bowser with call “To maximize safety, we also encourage every District resident to stay home and avoid downtown this week”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Geoff Livingston

Ed. Note: Last night the Washington Post reported that a Proud Boy leader was arrested for burning a Black Lives Matter banner last month and

“Police said Tarrio, who was in custody Monday evening, also was charged with two felony counts of possession of high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, which is a legal term for a magazine that allows guns to hold additional bullets.”

From the DC Attorney General’s Office:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued the following statement regarding the upcoming demonstrations that will take place in downtown D.C. on January 5 and 6.

“The District of Columbia is a community that respects every person. We also respect the First Amendment’s guarantees around freedom of expression and value peaceful protest as a hallowed American tradition.

“But the Constitution does not grant the right to commit violence or vandalize property, and there is certainly no right to engage in acts of hate.

“It has been publicly reported that several groups–including some that promote hate on a racial and religious basis–will be traveling to the District for demonstrations on January 5 and 6. Some may have plans to stay through the end of the week.

“Make no mistake: many of these individuals have stated that they are coming to the District to provoke residents and wreak havoc. (more…)

“Request for Proposal Seeks Projects That Honor Site’s Significance to Black History and Include NAACP as a Partner with its National Headquarters”

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and U Street, NW via Office for Planning and Economic Development

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) issued the Equity Request for Proposal for the Frank D. Reeves Center site at 2000 14th Street, NW in Ward 1. The EquityRFP will prioritize teams that maximize the percentage, with a goal of 100%, of partnering entities or organizations that are owned or majority controlled by individuals determined to be part of a socially disadvantaged population.

“The Frank D. Reeves Center was at the heart of Marion Barry’s vision to revitalize the 14th Street and U Street Corridors. Now, we have the chance to take his vision further and reimagine this iconic site in a way that honors Black history and culture and gives more Washingtonians a fair shot,” said Mayor Bowser. “With the NAACP’s new national headquarters anchoring this exciting project, we look forward to putting equity at the forefront of the site’s revitalization.”

The EquityRFP seeks proposals that will transform the large site, consisting of over two acres (97,600 square feet) of land area, into a transit-oriented, mixed-use development with office space, affordable housing, and neighborhood serving amenities in a way that reflects the site’s history and culture. Given the U Street Corridor’s role in African American identity, culture, and life, DMPED will prioritize proposals that acknowledge the parcels historic significance and honors both the legacies of Marion Barry Jr and Frank Reeves. (more…)

“The SW corner of 12th and P NW is falling into the storm drain”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

The SW corner of 12th and P NW is falling into the storm drain, and it just seems like a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt. I submitted this photo to 311 and got the response “looks fine” from whoever reviewed the submission. This photo is the original one I sent in… I walked past it again today and it’s gotten worse. I’ve broken a leg and wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone.” (more…)

“I am asking Washingtonians and those who live in the region to stay out of the downtown area on Tuesday and Wednesday and not to engage with demonstrators who come to our city seeking confrontation”

By Prince Of Petworth

From Mayor Bowser’s Office:

“Mayor Bowser is continuing preparations for this week’s First Amendment activities. She had previously directed the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to stand up the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning Monday, January 4, to coordinate the response for the upcoming First Amendment demonstrations, permitted by the National Park Service, scheduled for January 5 and January 6. The EOC serves as the coordination hub between District agencies and regional and federal partners. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) begins its full activation with all staff reporting for response on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mayor Bowser instructed District agencies to create a comprehensive public safety response to ensure residents’ safety. Additionally, HSEMA and MPD are conducting event overviews for the Council of the District of Columbia, faith leaders, and the downtown business community. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by making a report through iwatchdc.org or by calling 911 for immediate threats or emergencies.

“MPD and HSEMA are coordinating among District agencies and with federal authorities to ensure our residents and businesses remain safe,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “I am asking Washingtonians and those who live in the region to stay out of the downtown area on Tuesday and Wednesday and not to engage with demonstrators who come to our city seeking confrontation, and we will do what we must to ensure all who attend remain peaceful.” (more…)

“There’s a big pile of stolen bikes sitting on a public sidewalk”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

There’s a big pile of stolen bikes sitting on a public sidewalk just off Mt. Olivet Road in Trinidad/Ivy City. They aren’t chained to anyone’s property – they’re just sitting along an empty stretch of sidewalk and the pile keeps getting bigger. This has been going on for months. My neighbors and I keep calling 311, our councilmember, and MPD to ask them to do something – unfortunately the District doesn’t really care about much that goes on around here and has ignored all of our requests. How can we get these bikes out of here, and maybe back to the people they belong to, or at least someone who needs them?“

View More Stories