Democracy Dies in Darkness

D.C. Council passes emergency public safety legislation

and

Updated July 11, 2023 at 7:12 p.m. EDT|Published July 11, 2023 at 5:23 p.m. EDT

D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) speaks at a news conference about the emergency public safety legislation. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

10 min

The D.C. Council on Tuesday passed emergency public safety legislation as the city weathers a violent summer, establishing a new crime for firing a gun in public and making it easier for judges to detain people charged with violent offenses before trial — a provision that drew extended debate.

The legislation, proposed by council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), passed 12-1, with opposition from council member Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4). It will be in effect for 90 days after the mayor signs it. Pinto’s bill is similar to a proposal put forth by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) that lawmakers are expected to debate in the fall, but Pinto said some provisions could not wait as the city confronts rising homicides and carjackings.

More coverage on D.C. gun violence

HAND CURATED

He’s 14. He’s been to five funerals. Can he avoid his own?
January 20, 2024
He’s 14. He’s been to five funerals. Can he avoid his own?
January 20, 2024
Their sons’ lives ended in gunfire. In grief, they found a second act.
November 25, 2023
Their sons’ lives ended in gunfire. In grief, they found a second act.
November 25, 2023
A shaken Washington copes with surging violence: ‘This is not normal’
September 11, 2023
A shaken Washington copes with surging violence: ‘This is not normal’
September 11, 2023