Norton Asks for a Repeat Performance in D.C. Neighborhoods As Seen on the Mall- August 11, 2006

Norton Grateful for Combined Efforts that Nabbed the Mall Suspects and
Asks for a Repeat Performance in D.C. Neighborhoods
August 11, 2006

Washington, DC--Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today commended the Park Police, federal agencies, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other area police, who cracked the Mall crimes and arrested all five of the suspected violent criminal gang of individuals, for "truly impressive police and detective work." She noted that because the Mall crimes occurred on federal property, federal police forces took the lead but that all the suspects had D.C. addresses. "By apprehending the suspects," Norton said, "the Park Police have taken a group of very violent suspects off our streets who may have been committing similar crimes in D.C. neighborhoods or had a high likelihood of bringing the Mall sexual assaults and robberies, home to our community."

Norton noted that some of the federal agencies that were instrumental in solving this case also are participants in the Violent Crimes Task Force announced as part of the city's crime emergency. "I know I speak for all Washingtonians when I ask our Violent Crimes Task Force to commit similar energy and impressive work to solving at least some of the same crimes that are ravaging our neighborhoods," she said.

In order to assure coverage of federal parks in the city, such as, Anacostia, Fort Dupont, and Rock Creek Parks, Congresswoman Norton was successful in getting Capitol Police to patrol a section of the Mall beginning two weeks ago.