UPDATE: A former staffer of the Department of Government Efficiency, Edward Coristine, was allegedly assaulted during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C., early Sunday morning. The shocking incident, involving a group of approximately 10 teenagers, has prompted President Donald Trump to threaten to federalize the city if crime is not under control.
The Metropolitan Police Department reports that the 19-year-old Coristine, known online as “Big Balls,” was attacked near his vehicle. As he and his significant other were approached by the suspects, Coristine pushed her into the car for safety and confronted the assailants. Two 15-year-olds have since been arrested and charged with unarmed carjacking, while several suspects remain at large.
Authorities confirmed that police on patrol witnessed the incident, intervening just in time to apprehend the two teenagers. They are identified only as a male and female from Hyattsville, Maryland. No injuries were reported, but a black iPhone 16 was stolen during the attack.
In a dramatic response, Trump took to Truth Social to express his outrage, sharing a photo of Coristine and labeling him an “incredible young man” who was “beaten mercilessly by local thugs.” Billionaire Elon Musk, former leader of DOGE, claimed Coristine was defending a young woman when he was assaulted, although his description did not align with police reports.
“If this continues, I am going to exert my powers and FEDERALIZE this City,” Trump stated, urging local authorities to prosecute young offenders as adults. He expressed that crime in the capital is “totally out of control.”
Trump’s comments highlight a growing concern over crime rates in D.C., as the President’s call for federal intervention echoes past statements regarding the city’s governance. Since 1973, D.C. residents have elected their local leaders, but Congress retains the authority to override local laws.
U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, reinforced Trump’s sentiments, saying, “It’s time we start taking crime more seriously irrespective of the age of the criminal.” She emphasized the need for accountability to protect innocent victims from young offenders.
Coristine, who played a significant role in Musk’s DOGE initiatives earlier this year to reduce government spending, was known for his involvement with various federal agencies. He resigned from his position in late June but quickly returned to federal service with the Social Security Administration.
As this situation unfolds, the D.C. community is left grappling with the implications of rising crime rates and the potential for increased federal oversight. With the President threatening action, residents and officials alike are watching closely for how this situation will develop.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue their investigation and the political ramifications of this incident unfold.