WASHINGTON, DC – Six juveniles have been arrested in connection to a brutal assault near Union Station that was recorded on video and circulated on social media, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police became aware of the attack on February 19 and determined that multiple juveniles approached a female victim outside Union Station, punching and kicking her. One suspect recorded the assault and encouraged others to continue the attack. When bystanders attempted to intervene, they were also assaulted. None of the victims sustained serious injuries.
On February 21, detectives arrested a 14-year-old girl, a 12-year-old girl, and an 11-year-old girl—all from Northeast DC—as well as a 13-year-old girl from Northwest DC. Each was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and rioting.
Two additional suspects, a 13-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl, were arrested on February 20 and face charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to riot, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.
Investigators believe the attack may have been motivated by hate or bias, leading to an enhanced charge of assault with a dangerous weapon (hate crime enhancement) for all six suspects.
Authorities are working with other law enforcement agencies to determine whether the group is connected to similar attacks in surrounding jurisdictions.