Biden-Nominated Judge Releases Teens in DOGE Staffer Assault Amid Trump Crime Crackdown
Two teenagers charged with an attempted carjacking and brutal beating of a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer have been released from D.C.’s Youth Services Center. The decision by Judge Kendra D. Briggs, a Biden appointee, follows a court ruling that reduces their custody to youth shelter or home arrest, with ongoing restrictions. The release comes as President Trump intensifies his focus on crime in the nation’s capital, directing federal law enforcement to increase its presence following the high-profile assault of ‘Big Balls’ Edward Coristine.
Despite being charged with the attack, the teens were moved out of secure juvenile detention, with the judge ordering one to be placed in a youth shelter while the other was released under home arrest. Both remain subject to strict conditions, including curfews, electronic monitoring, and weekly drug tests, as reported by NBC4 Washington. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate handling of juvenile offenders, with critics arguing that the teenagers’ release may not serve as a deterrent to future crimes.
The incident, which occurred on August 3, involved Edward Coristine, a controversial figure known for his provocative online presence, who was attacked by a group of adolescents in the Logan Circle neighborhood. His violent injuries, captured in viral photos, prompted widespread public backlash and drew direct accusations from Donald Trump against Washington, D.C.’s leadership. Trump, who has long criticized the city’s response to crime, claimed that ‘local youths and gang members… are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens,’ emphasizing his stance that the criminals should face consequences.
As part of his crime-fighting strategy, Trump has directed federal law enforcement to increase its presence in D.C., a measure that has been accompanied by a temporary decline in homicide rates, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The administration’s efforts to address the perceived failures in city policing have raised questions about the effectiveness of federal intervention in local law enforcement issues, particularly given the political tensions surrounding the issue. The case also serves as a focal point for discussions on how the Biden administration has handled the judicial aspects of juvenile justice in contrast to the Trump administration’s approach.