National Guard Confronts Hundreds of Juveniles in DC Chaos

UPDATE: Chaos erupted in Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood on Halloween night as the National Guard and police confronted hundreds of juveniles engaging in fights and disrupting traffic. Footage captured around 7:30 p.m. shows National Guard members actively pursuing groups of young people in a park.

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded swiftly to a gathering that escalated to several hundred individuals by 8:00 p.m.. Initially peaceful, the assembly quickly devolved into violence, prompting police to intervene. By the end of the night, five arrests were made, including four juveniles, who face charges for possession of a prohibited weapon, public consumption of marijuana, and resisting arrest.

The situation intensified as MPD officers reported that they had to close streets and call in additional units, including the National Guard, to restore order. One police sergeant sustained minor injuries while attempting to manage the crowd.

Chief of Police Pamela Smith condemned the behavior, stating, “The behavior displayed last night in Navy Yard is unacceptable, and MPD and our law enforcement partners will have an increased presence tonight to ensure this does not happen again.”

The chaos began when groups of juveniles converged in a park near the Navy Yard Metro Station. Authorities noted that the situation escalated as the night wore on, with many ignoring police instructions to stay on sidewalks. By approximately 11:00 p.m., MPD successfully dispersed the crowd and maintained a strong presence throughout the night to prevent any further disturbances.

Residents captured video clips showing the urgency of the scene, with National Guard members actively running after the youths. The rapid response reflects heightened security measures in D.C. as the National Guard’s deployment has been extended through at least February 2026, according to a U.S. defense official.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about youth violence and public safety in the nation’s capital. The Trump administration is also ramping up efforts to combat crime with the expansion of a D.C. Task Force, which includes new hiring initiatives aimed at bolstering law enforcement presence across the country.

As the situation develops, authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant, and additional measures are being implemented to ensure safety during future events.