A recent attempted carjacking near Washington D.C.'s Dupont Circle was reportedly thwarted by a civilian identified as "Edward," who intervened to protect a young woman from eight assailants. The incident, brought to light by a social media post from Marko Elez, underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime in the nation's capital. Elez lauded Edward, known online as "@as400495," as a "hero" for his swift action.
The incident occurs as Washington D.C. continues to grapple with a significant surge in carjackings. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) data, the city experienced a record number of carjackings in 2023, with over 1,100 incidents reported, marking a substantial increase from previous years. While figures for 2024 and 2025 are still emerging, the trend indicates a persistent challenge for law enforcement and residents alike.
Marko Elez, who captured a photograph of Edward following the event, expressed strong condemnation of the violence. > "My friend Big Balls (@as400495) is a hero. I took this photo after Edward protected a young woman from an attempted carjacking by 8 thugs near Dupont Circle. Violence like this in the heart of DC is completely unacceptable," Elez stated in his tweet. This sentiment reflects widespread public frustration over the perceived increase in brazen criminal acts in prominent urban areas.
The presence of multiple assailants and the high-profile location near Dupont Circle highlight the evolving nature of crime in the city. Public safety remains a top concern for residents and local authorities, who have been implementing various strategies, including increased police presence and community engagement programs, to curb the rising crime rates. However, incidents like the one reported by Elez demonstrate the ongoing need for vigilance and effective crime prevention measures.