WASHINGTON, D.C. – A fare evasion arrest on the Metro has sparked outrage among local leaders and activists after video surfaced online showing Metro Transit Police (MTP) pinning a woman to the ground at Navy Yard station.
The Arrest
The woman in the video was identified as Afeni, a D.C. activist with more than 60,000 Instagram followers, by Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White and the activist group Harriet’s Wildest Dreams.
Metro officials confirmed that a 28-year-old woman was arrested Friday night on charges of fare evasion, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. MTP alleged that she attempted to use a “Kids Ride Free” card, which is reserved for students between ages 5 and 21.
“Misuse of those fare cards is fare evasion and will not be tolerated,” MTP wrote in a post on X Saturday afternoon.
Councilmembers Voice Concerns
Several D.C. Councilmembers quickly responded to the incident, raising concerns about the use of force.
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Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder called the arrest “very unfortunate,” stressing the need to protect advocates. “If they speak up, they shouldn’t be penalized,” he said.
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Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said he reached out to Metro officials for clarification. “The videos circulating are deeply concerning,” Parker wrote.
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Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White issued a statement directly naming Afeni and claiming that MTP used mace during the arrest. “I saw videos and didn’t see any reason for the mace or arrest,” he said, noting that the charges were later dismissed.
Activists Push Back
Activists condemned the arrest as an abuse of power.
“It was uncalled for. And it was something that should not have happened—even if there is a fare evasion,” said Taylor, a member of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams. “Fare evasion doesn’t consist of brutalizing a person.”
According to Taylor, Afeni and fellow organizers were conducting a “cop watch” at the time, monitoring how Metro officers interacted with youth during the federal oversight period of D.C. law enforcement.
Activists said they had witnessed three young men being detained for fare evasion and began recording the incident. They believe Metro police targeted Afeni because of their recording.
“WMATA police were irritated by it,” Taylor said. “And with that being said, they decided to physically assault one of our cop watchers, and one of the main leaders of Washington, D.C.”
Cell phone footage circulating on social media appears to show Afeni being pepper-sprayed before being pinned and taken into custody.
Arrest, Release, and Community Response
Afeni was released shortly after 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting until the activist was freed. When Afeni stepped outside, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Several sources close to Afeni said she is safe and resting, but the group’s focus now is on holding Metro Transit Police accountable.
Larger Context
The incident comes as Washington experiences an unprecedented law enforcement environment. With National Guard troops deployed across the District and federal agencies conducting operations under President Donald Trump’s push for a federal takeover of D.C. policing, tensions between communities and law enforcement are at a peak.
On Saturday, governors from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio also announced deployments of hundreds of state troops to D.C., adding to the heavy security presence.
For activists like Taylor, the timing underscores the risks. “We are here to make sure our communities are safe,” she said. “But when police use force like this against those watching them, it shows why oversight is needed.”
Conclusion
What began as a routine fare enforcement stop has escalated into a flashpoint for community mistrust of police tactics. Councilmembers are demanding answers, activists are calling for accountability, and Metro officials continue to defend their enforcement policies.
As the District adjusts to a new era of heavy federal oversight and heightened law enforcement presence, questions remain: Was this incident about fare evasion, or about silencing activists? For many D.C. residents, the video of Afeni’s arrest has only deepened concerns about policing, fairness, and the future of public safety in the city.
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