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
3 Women Hurt After Metro Bus Crash Into Restaurant in Northwest DC A crash involving a Metro bus that plowed into a restaurant in Northwest Washington, D.C., left at least three people injured on Saturday morning, authorities reported. The incident occurred near the intersection of 7th Street and Q Street, NW, where the bus struck the building and partially entered the AMBAR Restaurant, which was unoccupied at the time. Emergency responders worked to extricate the bus from the structure, with the vehicle finally removed just before noon. According to DC Fire and EMS, the building showed no major structural damage, and no shoring was required to stabilize the site. Fire officials conducted a thorough search of the structure before beginning the extraction process. Crews also secured utilities at the scene to ensure safety during the operation. Once the bus was removed, units began clearing the area, marking the end of the immediate emergency response. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and EMS are investigating the cause of the crash. At least three adult women were taken to nearby hospitals with minor injuries, including the bus driver. While details about the crash remain under investigation, officials have not yet released information on the bus’s speed, driver actions, or potential contributing factors. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, with 7News reporting that the bus was still partially inside the restaurant when crews began their efforts. The incident has prompted questions about the safety of public transportation and the potential risks of such collisions in urban areas. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the bus was following traffic signals or if any other vehicles were involved.#metro_bus #ambar_restaurant #dc_fire_ems #metropolitan_police_department #northwest_dc
