Crime around Washington and especially Capitol Hill has reached such a level that a top House chairman has issued a sober warning to lawmakers and staff to beware of public spaces.
Coming just hours after Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) was carjacked at gunpoint, the House Administration Committee issued a “House Security Resource Guide” that details how best to avoid the random violence plaguing Washington, especially in areas highly trafficked by tourists.
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The bottom line spelled out in the series of bullet points: “Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you uneasy or if it doesn’t feel right, leave.”
NEW: Security Resource Guide from Chairman @RepBryanSteil for staff and Members on staying safe amid DC’s crime wave. https://t.co/WiM66knOGk pic.twitter.com/ZHAhtyphTP
— House Admin. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) October 3, 2023
They were issued by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) following the armed holdup of Cuellar, who was not injured.
In a post on X, Steil said crime is bad in Democratic-run cities. He did not cite any mayors or cities, but crime is surging in Democratic-run Washington, New York, and Chicago.
“A member of Congress was carjacked blocks from the Capitol last night. Crime in Democrat controlled cities is out of control,” Steil wrote.
Just last month, Steil hosted a staff security briefing during which he said that liberal mayors are not doing enough to protect citizens.
A Member of Congress was carjacked blocks from the Capitol last night.
Crime in Democrat controlled cities is out of control. https://t.co/v0JKdWHGig
— Bryan Steil (@RepBryanSteil) October 3, 2023
His list recommended that staffers and lawmakers keep to themselves in Washington and take preventive measures to avoid attack.
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For example, his guide recommended, “Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has been broken down. You can help instead by using your cell phone to call police for help.”
In another, it said, “When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.”
