During the ongoing Trump administration’s federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., a vandal targeted a local church, hurling rocks through its stained-glass windows during the day. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed the incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. Monday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on 6th Street Northeast, located near the Capitol Hill area. A nearby vehicle also sustained damage, though the suspect was not apprehended at the scene. The incident comes amid heightened enforcement efforts, with more than 550 arrests reported since federal agents began patrolling the city in late August. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted recent arrests, including 66 made on Tuesday night, some of which involved recovered illegal weapons and drug seizures. In addition to the citywide curfew for minors, MPD expanded its measures by establishing a juvenile curfew zone in the U Street corridor to mitigate youth-related safety risks.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church, situated in the Capitol Hill area, is just steps from Lincoln Park and a few blocks east of the Capitol building. The area has a history of social unrest, particularly following the 1969 riots linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The city’s website notes that the H Street Corridor has been working to recover and revitalize after these events. The investigation into the church vandalism remains ongoing, according to the MPD, with no immediate statements from the church leadership.
The crackdown has intensified with the deployment of federal agents, leading to numerous arrests and an increased focus on public safety. The FBI has been actively involved, recovering illegal firearms and seizing drugs as part of its efforts to combat crime. Patel emphasized the necessity of these actions, stating “saving lives every day” and “thanks to the men and women in the field.” Additionally, the MPD has implemented strict curfews for minors in specific areas, such as the U Street corridor, to address concerns about youth gatherings and potential public safety threats. These measures have sparked discussions about the balance between security and community well-being in the nation’s capital.