Message from Councilmember Jim Graham

Dear Friends:

Since October 1, we have experienced an unprecedented cycle of violence in various parts of the Ward , the likes of which I have not seen in my nine years in office.  Well over a 100 shots have been recorded.  Others have been heard, but not recorded.

I am writing this message because, up until now, the gang nature of much of this violence has not been made clear beyond a limited number of people.  To be sure, we have had tragic accidents, shootings over drug deals of one kind or another, and even a very tragic car jacking.

To date, about ten people have been shot and wounded as a result of this gang violence.

So, we must be very clear about the cause of this violence.

Last Friday, MPD executed search warrants on the 700 block of Harvard, which is probably gang related. Two hand guns were obtained from that search. We have also seen a major increase in police presence and efforts by detectives. We also need better technology such as shotspotters and more effective cameras.

More police actions are also anticipated.

However, due to the unique structure of crews, we need longer term solutions as well.  Chief Lanier is currently considering my proposal to establish a unit exclusively dedicated to monitoring and engaging African American crews in Ward One. 

Ward One is experiencing a stunning economic revitalization.  We have worked hard to preserve our diversity. I am committed to making sure all of our residents have an opportunity to participate and share in the prosperity coming to our neighborhoods. For everyone's sake, this violence has got to be brought to an end.

Bests, Councilmember Jim Graham

Comments

Written by Park Road Guy on 2007-11-06 13:09:49 I think this is the right track to take and I'm glad to hear this type of language. The long term approach will have to address the economic and education issues and the short term approach should look at ways to engage youth, gang leaders and also young leaders who serve as positive role models in their community. I could see the process of gentrification as somewhat preditory, pushing out criminals or forcing them into prisons without actually addressing the root causes, leaving a 'begger thy neighbor' phenomenon.

comments Written by yeah right on 2007-11-06 16:07:01 until this city takes policing seriously things will be the same as we presently experience them to be. anyone that's visited NYC in the last 5 to 8 years will agree.     police on every corner. police walking and NOT talking on their cell phones while crusing around.    last week while crossing the light at columbia on the intersection of ontario i was run down by a car. i protested by calling the guy a jack#$@. the driver stopped his car, got out and followed me to the citibank door. a police cruiser was two cars back at the adjoining stop light. the cruiser drove around the double-parked car and continued down columbia. while i had to physically fend off the driver.    this city is 1 degree away from another large scale riot, and mayhem like we saw in the late 60's. trust me. it's coming.    cracking down on a few punks that want an identity is just a finger in the dike. cut off the nipple and redirect those monies to policing. the time has come.

DC gangs Written by come on on 2007-11-06 16:13:34 i've been in this city for 14 years and have heard enough talk about the SCHOOLS and OUR CHILDREN, JOBS, EDUCATION to cover 28 years.    time to crack down. maybe we need Pervez Musharraf in here to set things right. i pay too much property tax for this craphola to continue. please.

Written by New Mum on 2007-11-06 19:12:26 I may be looking to move, soon. While I feel safe in my home in the daytime, I don't feel safe in my neighborhood, especially after dark. This is a deal-breaker for me: I prefer to live outside. Also, I've had people experienced with urban living comment that they don't feel safe walking from my house to their car at night.     I value a diverse exciting community, but I can get it without the fear. So what's to say I should stay here?     The promise of Target? Hah.

There's a better life... Written by No More Ghetto on 2007-11-08 01:34:35 I lived in Columbia Heights for three years and DC for eight years. After being subjected to the crime and lack of respect I experienced each day in DC and Columbia Heights specifically I moved this summer. I randomly checked back to this website to see what was going on back in the old 'hood and I was sad to see all the violence going on.     I now live in a city larger than DC yet in the months I have been living here not one thing has happened to me, when in DC crimes committed against me was a daily accordance.     My advice is to work to move out of DC for a better life. The city is a cesspool of ghettoness. After attending countless neighborhood meetings and writing and calling several city officals I realized I can't change other people's behavior and DC will never change and will always be a crime ridden ghetto wonderland. So I moved before I was killed, and I have been living a crime free life ever since.

Written by I'm a black guy on 2007-11-08 08:36:05 As a black man, born and raised in the District, there is nothing that can be done to prevent the crime in these gangs. The only thing to do is to sterilize low income residents to prevent future thugs from committing crime.

Written by GforGood on 2007-11-08 14:41:33 Most likely the same person posting several times.

Written by Ashamed Yuppie on 2007-11-09 16:30:34 I'm ashamed to live in Columbia Heights. Not because of the gang violence, but because of the ignorance articulated in these posts. Shameful.     You all can talk about schools, but when is the last time YOU were in one? When is the last time you volunteered to help out a student at Bell or Lincoln? How about a raise for our public school teachers?     Gang violence is disgusting and I hate that I don't feel safe in my neighborhood at night. There couldn't be a more clear cry out for a support structure then joining a gang.    How about a government funding community center in CH? Why do non-profits such as the amazing Latin American Youth Center have to fill the voids for youth that our government and tax dollars aren't being spent on?

Written by e on 2007-11-11 09:53:02 Will the web site owner please delete the preceding comment? It is full of offensive language and hate, and I would like to believe that this is not the type of community that you are trying to build with this web site.

Written by agreed on 2007-11-11 13:32:44 second the need to delete these types of posts. hateful comments like this are not helpful to anyone and are not going to help solve any problems.

Written by on 2007-11-11 23:45:21 Please do not post racist and hateful comments on this site. Such comments have no place here or anywhere else and will not be tolerated. We have already deleted eleven hateful comments from this post. We will not hesitate to delete more if necessary.