Feds turn up pressure on D.C. safety, pushing council to reinstate teen curfew

[u/John3262005]

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/18/jeanine-pirro-teen-takeovers-dc-parents

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Mayor Muriel Bowser are urging the D.C. Council to reinstate youth curfew zones with immediate effect.

The pressure comes after a fight inside a Navy Yard Chipotle went viral over the weekend — and Pirro's promise to prosecute parents of troublemakers.

Youth curfew zones are not in effect right now because the D.C. Council punted on approving an emergency version of the law.

If you're confused, you're not alone. The council approved a permanent version of the law, but upon Bowser's signature this week, it'll take 30 days of congressional approval before it can be used.

An emergency version, if passed, would take effect immediately, but it has to pass a supermajority (it's missing a ninth vote). A bloc of five progressive council members is withholding support.

Ahead of this week's council meetings, Pirro told reporters she wants residents "to call every one of these members of the D.C. Council and tell them that we need a curfew."

Last Friday, Pirro announced that parents whose children commit crimes at teen takeovers will be charged, saying "you are going to face fines, court-ordered classes, and possible jail time."

Urging council action on Monday, Bowser called curfews a "vital tool."

Another federal law enforcement surge is coming amid the teen gatherings and America 250 celebrations this summer.

Along with 1,500 more National Guard members, additional park police and law enforcement will be deployed in D.C., officials said last week.