WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just after midnight Saturday, chaos erupted at the busy intersection of U Street and 14th Street NW, as a large group of teenagers crowded the crosswalk and reportedly attacked a fellow teen, stomping and kicking them as they lay on the pavement. The violent moment, captured on video by a WUSA9 employee, has reignited concerns about teen gatherings in D.C. and prompted new calls for expanded curfews and stronger intervention.
The attack occurred around 12:30 a.m., according to WUSA9, as part of a larger disorderly crowd gathered in the area. In the footage, shrieks, honking, and police sirens echoed through the intersection while onlookers—mostly minors—surrounded the victim and each other, some appearing to film the incident on their phones.
Police Respond Swiftly, Teens Flee
Within minutes, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived on the scene, sirens blaring, scattering the crowd in all directions. The department said in a statement that six juveniles were stopped for violating D.C.’s newly reinforced curfew law, including four minors from Maryland—three from Montgomery County and one from Prince George’s County.
“Groups of juveniles engaged in disorderly behavior along the U Street corridor,” an MPD spokesperson confirmed Saturday.
Although two minors were arrested nearby, both for carrying an unlicensed firearm, MPD said there is currently no active investigation into the assault itself.
Officials described the incident as “isolated” and emphasized that the crowd dispersed quickly once police arrived. Still, the video has prompted renewed scrutiny of teen activity in public spaces, especially during holiday weekends.
Curfew Laws Under Review
In the wake of this and other similar incidents—particularly a large teen gathering in Navy Yard that resulted in a robbery and assault—Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to introduce emergency legislation strengthening juvenile curfew laws. While the exact changes haven’t been detailed, Bowser made it clear on Friday that the city must adapt.
“We have seen some concerning trends with how our young people are socializing,” she said. “Those changes in behavior also require us to change our posture.”
Currently, D.C. law prohibits unaccompanied minors under 17 from being in public after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The mayor’s legislation could push for earlier curfews or stricter enforcement in response to the increase in late-night disturbances involving teens.
Teen Programming Falling Short?
To curb youth violence and offer alternative safe environments, D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) launched a series of curated events branded as “Holiday Hype.” These events, aimed at providing free evening entertainment for District youth, were held over Memorial Day weekend at the Banneker Community Center from 7 to 11 p.m. each night.
However, despite the city’s efforts, attendance appears to be drastically declining. While past hype events drew crowds of 1,500 to 1,600 teens, only about 20 youths attended Friday night’s program, according to a WUSA9 photojournalist at the scene.
“We need to evaluate what’s working and what’s not,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “The intention is to provide engaging, safe alternatives—but we clearly need to adjust our approach.”
Expanded Curfews Elsewhere
In anticipation of potential disturbances over the holiday weekend, some parts of the city implemented localized curfews. For example, The Wharf, located near Navy Yard, imposed a temporary rule banning minors under 18 from entering the pier between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or an adult 21 or older.
These moves reflect a growing belief that targeted curfews and enforcement zones may help control spontaneous large gatherings that can devolve into violence.
MPD Increasing Visibility
MPD Chief Pamela Smith has reassured residents that police will maintain a highly visible presence throughout Memorial Day weekend and beyond. Officers are being strategically deployed across nightlife corridors, transportation hubs, and areas known to attract large youth crowds.
“Our officers will be out and engaged,” Smith said. “We want everyone—especially our youth—to have fun and enjoy their time safely and responsibly.”
Smith’s statement also urged parents to remain involved and ensure that their children are aware of curfew rules and public behavior expectations.
A Growing Debate
The U Street attack, along with the related increase in youth-involved disturbances, has intensified debate among D.C. residents, local leaders, and law enforcement about how best to balance teen freedoms, community safety, and public space management.
Some advocate for more after-hours programming, mental health outreach, and job opportunities for youth. Others believe tougher enforcement—including stricter curfews, arrests, and zero-tolerance policing—is the only way to restore order.
As city officials draft and introduce emergency legislation in the coming days, residents across the District will be watching closely to see how D.C. handles this critical moment of youth unrest, public safety, and community response.
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