In a dramatic incident early Friday morning near Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s home in northwest Washington, a U.S. marshal on Supreme Court security detail shot and wounded an armed man attempting to carjack him, as detailed in court documents.
The Incident
The marshal was stationed in an unmarked federal vehicle when a silver Toyota minivan pulled up alongside him. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Kentrell Flowers, exited the minivan and approached the marshal's vehicle, pointing a handgun through the driver’s side window.
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| U.S. marshals stand guard in a Washington, D.C. neighborhood following an attempted carjacking incident involving a Supreme Court security detail. |
Acting swiftly, the marshal drew his firearm and discharged four rounds through the window, striking Flowers in the mouth. Another U.S. marshal in a nearby vehicle also responded, firing his weapon as well, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Aftermath and Charges
Following the shooting, the first marshal provided immediate first aid to Flowers, who was subsequently transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Flowers now faces multiple charges, including armed carjacking, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large-capacity ammunition-feeding device.
The driver of the minivan, which had been carjacked prior to the incident, managed to flee the scene. The Metropolitan Police Department has since launched an investigation into the episode, which took place in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Official Statements and Context
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the involvement of the marshals in the shooting, stating, “The marshals involved in the shooting incident were part of the unit protecting the residences of U.S. Supreme Court justices.” She added that the U.S. Marshals typically do not discuss specifics of protective details for security reasons.
Crime Statistics and Trends
This incident occurs amidst a broader context of declining crime rates in Washington, D.C. Carjackings have decreased by nearly 50 percent this year compared to the same period last year, based on data from the Metropolitan Police Department. This reduction mirrors a national trend, with the overall crime rate in the District of Columbia down by 17 percent compared to last year.
Community and Legal Reactions
The attempted carjacking near a Supreme Court justice's home has heightened concerns about the safety of high-profile individuals and their security details. Legal analysts suggest that this case underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers tasked with protecting key government officials. The swift and decisive actions of the U.S. marshals involved were critical in preventing a potentially more dangerous outcome.
The shooting is expected to prompt discussions about security protocols and the effectiveness of current measures in place to protect high-ranking officials. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department will likely provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any changes to security procedures are warranted.
As the investigation continues, the community remains alert, and law enforcement agencies are emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding public figures and maintaining public safety.
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