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A D.C. man received a 10-year prison sentence along with five years of supervised release after attempting to carjack a vehicle at gunpoint. The targeted vehicle was occupied by a deputy U.S. Marshal who was on protective duty near the residence of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
On July 5, 2024, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported that around 1:15 a.m., Kentrell Flowers approached the deputy Marshal and brandished a handgun in what appeared to be an effort to steal the vehicle. In response, the Marshal drew his service weapon and fired four shots, striking Flowers in the mouth.
Incident and Response
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), after being shot, Flowers collapsed on the ground. Meanwhile, one unidentified accomplice managed to escape in a silver minivan, while another fled on foot. Fortunately, there were no indications that Justice Sotomayor was present or in any danger during this incident.
Rising Concerns Over Violence Against Justices
The security measures for U.S. Supreme Court justices have seen significant enhancements following the 2022 assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In that case, Nicholas Roske traveled from California to D.C. with firearms, intending to harm Kavanaugh after the release of the Dobbs decision regarding abortion rights. However, Roske ultimately contacted authorities, expressing suicidal and homicidal thoughts, highlighting the intense scrutiny and threats faced by high-ranking officials.
Increasing Carjacking Rates in D.C.
Washington, D.C. has been grappling with a spike in carjackings over several years. In response, the city established the Carjacking Taskforce in January 2021, which saw an expansion the following year. The MPD has also collaborated with the Maryland-based Prince George’s County Police Department to address this critical issue.
This year alone, the MPD has reported 121 carjackings, with a staggering 79 percent involving firearms. While the numbers remain alarming, there is a noted decrease in carjacking incidents when compared to 2024, which had 198 instances and significantly more involving weapons. Nonetheless, the arrest rate has stayed relatively stable, with 61 arrests reported in 2024 compared to 64 in the previous year.
Safety Advice for the Public
Authorities advise individuals who find themselves threatened by armed potential carjackers to prioritize their safety by surrendering their vehicle without confrontation. This non-confrontational approach could be vital in avoiding harm in high-stress situations.
Looking Ahead
The trend of increased carjackings combined with the attempted carjacking of a federal officer raises concerns not only for law enforcement but also for public safety. Community awareness and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies will be essential in addressing this dangerous trend in the city.
Continued vigilance and proactive measures are necessary as the city navigates these ongoing challenges. Communities can help by staying informed about recent incidents and engaging with law enforcement through neighborhood outreach initiatives.
Reporting contributed by Stephen Sorace and Louis Casiano from Fox News Digital.
