Key facts
- Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated a curfew for minors under 18.
- The curfew is effective for two weeks, with a general 11 PM start time.
- Designated zones will have a stricter 8 PM curfew.
- Groups of more than nine minors are prohibited from gathering in curfew zones unless accompanied by an adult.
- The order follows a public emergency declared after a brawl at a Chipotle restaurant.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has reinstated a limited youth curfew, extending restrictions for minors for two weeks in an effort to curb crime and disorderly conduct. Effective immediately, individuals under 18 are subject to an 11 PM curfew, with designated zones enforcing an earlier 8 PM start time.
The mayor's order also prohibits groups of more than nine minors from gathering in curfew zones unless accompanied by an adult or participating in exempted activities. This measure follows a public emergency declared in late May after a significant brawl occurred at a Chipotle restaurant, resulting in three teenage arrests.
Bowser stated that footage of unruly youth groups harms the District's reputation and deters visitors. She emphasized the curfew's urgency during summer months when school is out and increased temperatures can exacerbate tensions. President Trump had previously criticized the state of crime in the capital, deploying federal law enforcement and National Guard troops.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has expressed frustration with the D.C. City Council's approach to 'teen takeovers,' suggesting the curfew does not go far enough. Pirro announced that parents knowingly allowing their children to violate the curfew could face up to six months in jail. Her office will also pursue citations for curfew violations linked to takeover incidents, potentially involving mandatory parental notification, classes, or counseling, stating, "Law-abiding taxpayers should not subsidize chaos caused by parental neglect."