A 15-year-old boy has entered a guilty plea in response to charges of attempted carjacking and assault on Edward Coristine, a former U.S. DOGE Service staffer, during an incident that took place last month and garnered the attention of President Donald Trump. The incident played a role in prompting Trump’s decision to implement a comprehensive crime crackdown in Washington D.C., comprising the deployment of the National Guard and an increase in federal law enforcement presence.
The boy also confessed to involvement in a separate robbery occurring on the same night. His sentencing is pending. A 15-year-old girl also faces related charges in the case.
On August 3, the group of attackers approached 19-year-old software engineer Edward Coristine and another individual on Swann Street, NW Washington. During the attack, while the other person managed to secure themselves inside the vehicle, Coristine was left outside and beaten by the group. The President later shared an image on social media of Coristine, injured, as an example of what he described as unacceptable crime levels, and subsequently imposed federal control over D.C. police while deploying the National Guard—measures that unsettled some local leaders and residents.
Although the President’s intervention order has expired, efforts to adjust the D.C. criminal justice system persist. Recent legislative proposals by congressional Republicans include allowing courts to try 14-year-olds as adults for serious offenses and restricting judges’ discretion in offering alternate sentencing for young offenders. Despite resistance from top D.C. officials, these initiatives gained some Democratic support and passed through the House.
Prosecutors reported another incident involving the boy earlier the same evening near a U Street gas station, where he participated in group robbery actions, hitting individuals and taking personal items.
The accused faces four separate charges concerning both incidents: felony assault and robbery at the gas station, along with attempted robbery and simple assault on Coristine. Details identifying the minors involved are withheld due to their status as juveniles.
The teens initially were housed at a juvenile facility but have since been moved to less restrictive environments. The boy currently resides with his mother, complies with school attendance policies, and wears an electronic monitoring device.
Conversely, the teenage girl faces challenges in adhering to her conditions, including positive drug tests and school attendance issues. The presiding judge, Kendra D. Briggs, has issued stern warnings regarding compliance with probationary terms and indicated potential custody adjustments for future violations.
The case continues to highlight discussions around juvenile justice reform and federal intervention in D.C., drawing national attention to urban crime and legislative responses.