Newsroom

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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Secure DC Passes First of Two Votes before Council

After hours of discussion today, the DC Council voted in the first of two readings to approve the Secure DC Omnibus, which covers a range of public safety initiatives. I thank Councilmember Brooke Pinto for her leadership and hard work in introducing this bill. It can be a challenge for everyone to work together, but that is the only way we’re going to solve this District-wide crisis, and today’s work and the effort that led up to it reflects that spirit. I’m confident the Council will continue to refine the bill between now and the second reading toward our shared goal of improving safety and accountability. This legislation is focused heavily on accountability and enforcement. While these are important, we cannot forget another, critical piece: hope and opportunity. We need a holistic approach with investments to ensure all of our residents have a realistic sense of hope in their future. That is a key way to prevent crime. It is that philosophy that inspired my introduction of the Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act,…

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Statement on January 1 homicide at 4300 Military Road

Early this morning, a gathering among a group of friends at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Friendship Heights turned tragic when a member of the party shot and killed a young woman at the gathering. My heart goes out to her family and friends, who instead of celebrating the New Year are now mourning the loss of a loved one. My office was in communication with MPD shortly after the shooting and continues to receive updates. I have confidence that MPD is doing everything the department can to apprehend the shooter. We face an epidemic of gun violence in our city that impacts every resident regardless of age, income, or Ward, and we must work together across government to empower public safety agencies to stem the tide of violence. I will host a public safety forum on January 17 at 6 pm at the Cleveland Park Library with Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, and Attorney General Brian Schwalb. Addressing the crime crisis in our city has been and continues to be…

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Statement on 9/9 incident at 4601 Connecticut Avenue NW

Late afternoon on Saturday, September 9, a shooting occurred outside at 4601 Connecticut Avenue NW. An adult male was shot in the abdomen. He was conscious and breathing at the scene and taken to the hospital for medical attention. The victim remains in intensive care, and my thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers. I know this act of violence was disturbing for neighbors and families. I was in communication with Metropolitan 2nd District Commander John Branch on Saturday regarding the shooting and will support MPD’s response efforts as it continues its investigation. MPD has not yet identified two suspects involved in the incident. Residents who may have information about the incident should contact MPD directly using the anonymous tip line at 202.727.9099. I am grateful for the Metropolitan Police Department’s timely and professional response to Saturday’s incident. I expect to meet with officers and nearby residents this week to discuss how we will ensure upper Connecticut Avenue NW remains safe for all neighbors. This was the topic of a similar community meeting…

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