Part 6/9:
Escalating violence and recent incidents
The situation in the city has been marked by several high-profile violent incidents that amplified tensions. Notable among them was the attack on Edward Corststein, a 19-year-old former staffer, during an attempted carjacking in August. In June, 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian Jacim was killed in a drive-by shooting, further highlighting concerns about public safety.
Other violent episodes in 2023 included a carjacking involving Democratic Rep. Henry Queller of Texas and a stabbing of an aide to Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky. These incidents, combined with an increase in looting, gang activity, and public disorder, have contributed to growing bipartisan anxiety over D.C.’s security.