Photo by Eric P.

From the Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, introduced a bill today to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create and implement a platform for sharing helicopter noise complaint data in the National Capital Region and to make the platform accessible to the public online. The House passed the bill last year as part of the FAA reauthorization.

“I hear from D.C. residents almost daily about the negative impact of helicopter noise on their lives, despite the airspace restrictions related to being the nation’s capital,” Norton said. “The noise can be damaging to health and quality of life, and helicopters can even harm the structural integrity of homes. While I recognize the need for helicopters in D.C., the FAA and Congress must do more to mitigate the harm to D.C. residents. I will continue to work with federal agencies that fly helicopters in D.C. and on legislation to reduce helicopter noise for D.C. residents.”

Norton’s introductory statement follows. Read More

photo by Peter Freeman

“Dear PoPville,

Was woken up by a barrage of helicopters over Adam’s Morgan around 6am. Not sure if it was the same ones circling but at least 5 flyovers in 20 minutes. Any idea what’s going on? Thank you!”

and Read More

photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

We’ve had a low flying helicopter circling Takoma DC for the last hour. Anyone have a good guess as to why? As far as I know we don’t have a manhunt situation here and I haven’t heard any additional sirens. But dear god, it IS annoying and disruptive.”

Update: “Searching for a young man carrying a long gun. Coolidge HS on lockdown and I just got a text notice that Capital City is also on lockdown. I’d assume all the many schools in the vicinity are.”

From MPD: “Alert: Sounds of Gunshots Investigation in the 6400 block of 5th Street NW. Schools in the area are on lockdown as a precautionary measure. No injuries have been reported.”

From AlertDC: “MPD reports the 6500 block of 5th St, NW, between Van Buren St, and Underwood St, is currently closed to traffic due to police activity. Please avoid the area.”

CM Lewis George wrote: “Initial reports indicate that the suspect fired shots in the air in a nearby alley and fled.”

“MPD reports the police activity has cleared and all associated lockdowns and road closures have been lifted.“

Update: Patti writes, “They are practicing/getting ready for a Golden Knights (Army) ceremonial jump this afternoon and another one tomorrow.”

MW writes: The helicopters are for a Vietnam anniversary and the Goldend Knights will jump around 4pm near the Jefferson Memorial.

Thanks to Kim for sending: “current view from Dupont Circle….what’s goin on? They’ve made a few loops.”

Video: Read More

Photo by Eric P.

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, introduced a bill last Thursday that would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit a report and recommendations to Congress on how to reduce helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. Read More

Photo by Eric P.

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, today introduced a bill to require helicopters in District of Columbia airspace to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with limited exceptions. The exceptions would include active law enforcement investigations, transporting the president and vice president, and safety. Read More

photo by Evan Zimmerman

Thanks to all who messaged us reports while this was happening yesterday.

From MPD:

“On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at approximately 4:23pm, collaborative efforts by US Capitol Police, First District’s Crime Suppression Team, and MPD’s air support responded to the 100 block of M ST SE where they made the arrest of three individuals for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Additionally, four firearms were seized Read More

Noah (and many others) wrote us at 3:43am: “pretty crazy situation here at 13th and Mass. Woken up to 10-15 pops 20 minutes ago. Now areas swarmed with police and a chopper”

DB wrote: “Omg the helicopter was so low to the ground and circling for what seemed like more than an hour”

Warren shares: “Helicopter circling over DC following several gunshots right outside my window. Police have arrested someone from behind 1312 Massachusetts Ave. NW.

Here are two video from the arrest this morning following gunshots in the Thomas Circle/Logan Circle neighborhood, and the police search that included a helicopter that was circling D.C.” Read More

via google maps

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District announce an arrest has been made in reference to an Assault on a Police Officer offense that occurred on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street, Northwest.

At approximately 3:58 pm, uniformed members of the Fourth District responded to the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Kennedy Street, Northwest, for the report of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, members located the suspect and attempted to make contact. The suspect brandished a handgun and fired multiple gunshots towards the officers. The suspect then forcibly entered a residence in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street, Northwest. The suspect went to the roof of the residence and refused to come down. MPD Crisis Intervention Officers, along with staff from the Department of Behavioral Health, were in communication with the suspect for several hours in an attempt to deescalate the situation. Read More

Catherine and many others write around 7am this morning: “Does anyone know why on earth there’s a helicopter circling above Columbia Heights at this hour???”

Besides it being a park police helicopter not much else is known as of 9am, stay tuned.

From MPD around 6am: “Shooting Investigation in the 1500 block of Maryland Ave NE. Lookout for a B/M, wearing blue/white clothing with a W/F.”

From MPD:

“The First District is currently investigating an Armed Carjacking that occurred in the 1300 block of Potomac Ave Se on August 29,2022 at approximately 11 pm. Read More