Bowser, Pirro Unveil 'Protecting Victims Act of 2026' to Combat Rising Domestic Violence Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the "Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026" on April 24, 2026, during a joint event with District public safety leaders. The legislation aims to address the surge in domestic violence incidents, particularly those involving dangerous weapons, which have become a growing concern despite a decline in overall violent crime in Washington, D.C. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Jeffery Carroll, domestic violence-related assaults now account for 30% of the city’s homicides this year. While violent crime rates have decreased year-to-date, the rise in domestic violence homicides has prompted officials to seek stronger enforcement measures. U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Even as overall crime declines, the persistence of domestic violence—and the tragic rise in domestic violence homicides—underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement tools.” The proposed bill includes several key provisions designed to enhance protections for survivors and increase accountability for offenders. These measures include elevating repeated violations of temporary and civil protection orders to felony offenses, granting courts greater authority to detain abusers before trial, and modernizing the kidnapping statute to create a "felony unlawful entry" charge for cases where an offender enters a home and commits an assault. Additionally, the legislation introduces sentencing enhancements for violence against pregnant victims and establishes a new offense for crimes committed in the presence of a child.#jeanine_pirro #metropolitan_police_department #muriel_bowser #jeffery_carroll #lindsey_appiah
