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Ward 3 Update:
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, our country experienced an attempted coup orchestrated by the President of the United States. Not only was the disparate response to yesterday's rioters verses last year's peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters on full display, but our own National Guard response was actively obstructed by the Justice Department. And by the time officers with our Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived at the Capitol, the violent insurgency had escalated beyond control. Tragically, during the seditious attempt to take over the United States Capitol, five people, including a Capitol Police Officer, died.
Quite simply, the President of our United States is a criminal and is completely unhinged. And, as national leaders rightfully pursue legal avenues for his immediate removal, the work of local Washington must continue. In response to yesterday's destructive and deadly rioting, Mayor Bowser has issued a 15 day Public Emergency until the day after the inauguration (the full order is available: here). This order effectively provides the Mayor with greater authority to access financial resources to aid in the emergency response, to restrict access or movement across the District, to limit business operations, and more effectively enact curfews as needed. It is important to note that the Mayor will evaluate the need for a curfew and the reasonableness of its extent/application on a daily basis. Moreover, other normal government functions, such as agency services and public coronavirus testing, will continue.
It was sickening to watch this attempted takeover of our constitutional government, but it is also so very important to recognize that at the end of an unprecedented, painful, and horrifying day, the democratic process prevailed over violent insurgency. The votes have been certified, and Congress has affirmed Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump. We must join together to condemn Mr. Trump and his terrorist supporters, and to uphold the rule of law and our democratic ideals—no matter which political party we are aligned with. As President-elect Biden said, we need to restore honor, dignity, and respect. These are our real American ideals.
Regards,
Mary
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Report Any & All Tips Related to Yesterday's Violence: |
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Please see coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates & resources on COVID-19
The State of Emergency is extended through January 15th, the Public Health Emergency has been extended through March 31st
Mental health resources are available. If you need someone to talk to, please call the Mental Health Hotline at 1-888-793-4357
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Mayor Bowser's January 7th Situational Update |
Below are some notable updates from today's briefing:
- The Mayor is demanding the transfer of management authority of the DC National Guard from the President to the District of Columbia
- 56 MPD officers were injured in yesterday's response, 2 have been hospitalized
- 68 individuals were arrested last night by MPD: 60 adult males & 8 adult females
- 41 of those arrests occurred on the Capitol grounds
- Only 1 arrestee is from the District of Columbia
- Six firearms, 2 pipe bombs, and materials for Molotov cocktails were seized by law enforcement
- The entire DC National Guard has now been deployed and, by this weekend, over 6,200 guardsmen from several surrounding states will arrive in the District
- A 7-foot tall non-scalable fence has been installed around the Capitol and will remain in place for the next 30 days
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MPD & the FBI Need Our Help Identifying Rioters |
Persons of Interest - MPD has collected numerous, clear images of people involved in the storming of the Capitol and are seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating these individuals. As some may still be in the District, MPD has shared these images with hotels, businesses, airlines, and the FBI.
Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of anyone featured in these photos should report their tip:
- By calling 202-727-9099
- By texting 50411
The current album of persons of interest is available here: Persons of Interest.
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Register for Important Safety Alerts |
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Alert DC - Alert DC is the official District of Columbia communications system allowing residents to receive real-time emergency alerts, notifications, and updates directly from the District's safety officials. Residents may select the types of alerts they wish to receive (such as safety notices, school closures, and weather emergencies) and how they would like to receive alerts (such as by text, email, or phone call).
Click here to sign up for Alert DC
Click here to view current alerts
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24/7 Low-Barrier Shelter is Available |
Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness - Throughout the public health emergency, low-barrier shelters are open 24/7. This shelter access will be especially important over the next few weeks of the District's Public Emergency, and it may become necessary for residents experiencing homelessness to seek shelter away from protest activities downtown.
- If you see someone in need of help or in need of transportation to a shelter, please call the District's Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093
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Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Resources |
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Help Is Available - The DC Rape Crisis Center has issued an important reminder that sexual violence and domestic violence often increase in the wake of violent, public events.
In light of the widespread ramifications of yesterday's violence and upheaval, please share and keep the District's 24/7 resource hotline number (202-333-7273) on hand.
Please know you are not alone.
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How to Talk to Children about Yesterday's Events |
From the National Geographic - How to talk to your kids about the chaos at the Capitol
"As the news of a mob of violent protesters storming the U.S. Capitol played out on Wednesday—on top of what’s already been a scary and overwhelming year—it’s normal for children to have fears and questions. And it’s normal for parents to be unsure about how to respond...
Even though you might be tempted to try to keep the news from your kids, or to even lie about what’s happening—don’t. According to Cassidy O’Brien, a family therapist at San Diego Kids First, confronting kids’ worries head on, explaining what’s happening in a truthful but simple way, and emphasizing that kids are safe are the best ways to help children make sense of the chaos."
Read the Full Story
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Ending this Update with a powerful reminder from Stacey Abrams: |
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Our Office is Open
Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.
You may continue to reach us via phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.
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