Washington, D.C.’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb sparked controversy during a panel discussion on the city’s escalating crime rates, particularly among juveniles, after he said that the city could not arrest and prosecute its way out of the rising crime wave.
Residents and community leaders gathered to address the issue when Schwalb asserted that the rampant crime crisis could not be solved.
In a viral clip, he suggested that the community should prioritize preventative measures and provide resources to young people and their families to ensure long-term safety.
During a panel, DC residents voiced their frustrations and demanded accountability from city leaders in addressing the violent crime epidemic that's plaguing our nation’s capital.
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s response: “We cannot prosecute and arrest our way out of it.” pic.twitter.com/hEUT8GG7Al
— Carrie Severino (@JCNSeverino) January 31, 2024
This statement elicited strong reactions, with Republican Representative Dan Bishop labeling it as “madness” and criticizing the leftist policies that he sees as contributing to pro-crime stances.
The House Judiciary Committee also contested Schwalb’s claim, pointing to recent statistics indicating an 11% increase in robberies in D.C. since the beginning of the year.
Critics, including conservative commentator Mary Katharine Ham and National Republican Congressional Committee press secretary Will Reinert, dismissed Schwalb’s approach as ridiculous, with comments like, “I would suggest you try prosecuting and arresting your way out of some of this.”
Responding to the backlash, a spokesperson for the D.C. Attorney General’s office emphasized Schwalb’s commitment to using the law to enhance safety, including prosecuting juveniles for serious offenses.
“The Office of the Attorney General is laser focused on using the law to make D.C. safer. This includes prosecuting juveniles and holding them accountable when they commit crimes, which we do for every serious offense where there is sufficient evidence to prove a case,” the spokesperson said.
The panel, titled “Understanding Juvenile Carjacking: A Panel Discussion,” was moderated by Councilmember Charles Allen.
Allen, currently facing a recall effort, led the discussion amid a surge in violent crime in Ward 6. The broader debate revolves around the balance between law enforcement, prosecution, and preventative measures in addressing the crime crisis, with Schwalb’s comments reflecting a perspective that emphasizes community resources and intervention to curb criminal activities before they occur.
