Newsroom

Statement In Response to the Death of a Child In Ward 3

I am terribly saddened to learn of the passing of DeAndre Pettus, a 5-year-old child, in Ward 3 on Sunday. My heart goes out to his family, as well as the Murch Elementary School community during this difficult time. At this time, we still do not know all the details of what led to this horrific tragedy. The Metropolitan Police Department made an arrest on the preliminary charge of first-degree cruelty to children, those charges were filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the defendant appeared in D.C. Superior Court on Monday afternoon. Prosecutors await autopsy results, and the investigation is ongoing. The loss is heartbreaking and sadly follows the death in Ward 3 just the week prior of 1-year-old Journee Moore of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, which is being investigated as a homicide. These tragedies are reminders that laying a forceful hand on a child is never acceptable. They also underscore the imperative for the city to provide adequate services to our families with the greatest needs, and clearly there is more we need to…

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Statement In Response to the Loss of MPD Investigator Wayne David

Yesterday, Investigator Wayne David, a 25-year Metropolitan Police Department veteran, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. My deepest sympathies go to his loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. Investigator David dedicated his life to helping make his native DC a safer place. He was committed to getting guns off our streets, and this loss is yet another reminder that the scourge of guns and the pain they cause continues to plague the District. Every day, our police officers and first responders risk their lives to keep their neighbors safe from harm, and they deserve our thanks and support. I join the entire city in expressing my condolences to the family of Investigator David, as well as my gratitude to all at MPD for their bravery and sacrifice. Matt Frumin Ward 3 Councilmember

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Statement In Response to Charges Against Councilmember Trayon White

I join all residents of the District and my fellow Councilmembers in being deeply troubled by the charges against Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White. We all deserve leadership we can trust. In the words of Chairman Mendelson, the arrest and serious charges are a “gut punch” to the District, particularly the residents of Ward 8. Due process is one of the great pillars of our judicial system, and the assumption of innocence until proven guilty is fundamental to our democracy. Councilmember White is entitled to defend himself, and we must allow the process to take its course. To serve as a member of the Council of the District of Columbia is a privilege, and the alleged misuse of public office undermines the public’s confidence in their government. I support Chairman Mendelson’s decision to remove Councilmember White from the Chairmanship of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs while an Ad Hoc committee assesses the situation and makes recommendations on potential disciplinary actions. Matt Frumin Ward 3 Councilmember

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Update on the Wilson Aquatic Center

June 20, 2024 I share residents’ frustration that the Wilson Aquatic Center has still not reopened. My team and I have been in frequent contact with DGS and DPR leadership to press for transparency and to get the pool open and operating reliably as soon as possible. While the extensive work to replace the HVAC system and other necessary facility maintenance is complete, a leak was discovered when the pool was being refilled. DGS has assured me that repairs are underway and proceeding as quickly as possible. Here is the statement the department released earlier today: “The Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) share your desire for the Wilson Aquatic Center to reopen immediately. While in the final stages of pre-inspection duties, a leak was discovered during the pool refilling process. Plumbing repairs began yesterday morning to ensure the pool remains functional after reopening. Once completed, we will promptly refill the pool and conduct necessary tests to ensure everything is in proper working order. We recognize the Wilson…

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