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D.C. Duo Beat, Rob Former DOGE Staffer – Both Arrested
WASHINGTON – A brutal, unprovoked attack on a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer has led to the arrests of two D.C.-area men. Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, of the District, and Anthony Taylor, 18, of Temple Hills, Maryland, now face serious charges in connection with the August 3rd assault, attempted carjacking, and robbery.
According to court documents, the nightmare began around 2:53 a.m. on the 1400 block of U Street NW, at a Sunoco gas station. Cotton-Powell and Taylor were part of a larger group that descended on a male victim and his friends, initiating a savage beating. Witnesses say Cotton-Powell allegedly stomped on the victim’s head while Taylor actively participated in the assault. The group robbed the victim of his watch and even one of his shoes, leaving several others injured as well.
Less than ten minutes later, the same group turned their violence towards Swann Street NW, encountering the former DOGE staffer while he was walking a woman to her car. Showing a chilling disregard for the woman’s safety, the group attacked the DOGE employee, relentlessly punching and hitting him. They demanded the car, banging on the doors and attempting to pull the victim from the vehicle. Fortunately, the woman had locked the doors, thwarting their attempt to steal it.
The chaos ended when a vigilant Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer on patrol arrived on the scene. Seeing the officer, the group scattered, but two 15-year-old juveniles were immediately apprehended. The subsequent investigation quickly led to the identification and arrest of Cotton-Powell on October 16 and Taylor on October 17. Both men have made their initial appearances in D.C. Superior Court, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
In chilling admissions to police, both Cotton-Powell and Taylor confessed to their roles in both attacks. Cotton-Powell admitted to stomping on the victim at the gas station and kicking and punching the DOGE employee. Taylor not only admitted to participating in the gas station assault but also confessed to demanding the car keys from the DOGE staffer and physically assaulting him. Both are now charged with attempted unarmed carjacking, two counts of robbery, and two counts of assault with intent to commit robbery.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to bring to justice criminals who perpetrate random, unprovoked, and brutal attacks,” declared U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This is about the safety of individuals in this community – make no mistake, the rights of victims are paramount, and we will pursue justice, swiftly and vigorously on their behalf.” The case is being jointly investigated by the MPD and the United States Marshals Service. Commander Don Snider of the Marshals Service and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the MPD joined in the announcement of the arrests.
RELATED: D.C. Duo Beat Former DOGE Staffer, Gas Station Victim
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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