Two Additional Suspects Arrested in Assault of White House Staffer

Washington, D.C. – Two More Suspects Arrested for Attempted Carjacking and Beating of White House Staffer Edward Coristine

Two additional suspects, Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, and Anthony Taylor, 18, have been charged in connection with the attempted carjacking and assault of Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old employee of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, on August 3. The incident took place in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where Coristine was attacked while escorting a woman to her car.

During the assault, Coristine, nicknamed “Big Balls,” was subjected to repeated punches and kicks by a group of teenagers. The suspects fled the scene upon noticing a police officer nearby. In the wake of the incident, Coristine’s beating has been cited as a factor influencing President Donald Trump‘s decision to enhance law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., which includes deploying federal agents and National Guard members.

Prior to the arrests of Cotton-Powell and Taylor, two 15-year-old suspects from Maryland were charged, convicted, and sentenced for their roles in Coristine’s assault. They received probation after pleading guilty to the charges against them.

Cotton-Powell and Taylor were taken into custody the week following the attack; Cotton-Powell was arrested on Thursday, while Taylor’s arrest occurred the next day on Friday. Both individuals are facing serious charges in D.C. Superior Court, including attempted unarmed carjacking, robbery, and assault with the intent to commit robbery.

In addition to the charges related to Coristine’s case, Cotton-Powell and Taylor are suspected of involvement in a robbery of another individual at a gas station prior to the attack on Coristine. This pattern of behavior highlights ongoing concerns regarding escalating crime rates involving young offenders in the area.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro remarked that the case underscores the increasing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing crime within Washington, D.C. President Trump has also expressed displeasure regarding the previous decision that allowed the convicted teenagers to avoid incarceration, stating that the judge handling the case should feel ashamed.

A police report indicates that during the assault, Coristine was with his significant other. He acted defensively, pushing her into the car to protect her from harm while enduring the violent attack himself. Following the incident, Trump publicly shared a photo on social media depicting a bloodied, shirtless Coristine, using it to draw attention to the ongoing crime issues involving youths in the city.

The President has stated that if the crime situation persists or worsens, he is prepared to federalize the city. His comments emphasize the urgent need for effective intervention in street crime, particularly those involving younger individuals.

The investigation into the incident continues as law enforcement officials work to address the rising trend of crime among youth in the capital.