A Brutal Attack in Front of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Washington DC – In a shocking incident, Kelly Williams, 52, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on a seven-count indictment stemming from an armed attack on January 12, 2025, in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.
The indictment, returned on March 12, 2025, charges Williams with assault with intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and other related offenses. Arraignment is scheduled for March 27, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, on January 12, 2025, Williams followed the victim, a tourist from New Zealand, as the victim was walking past the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Williams approached the victim from behind, pulled her to the ground, and began punching the victim in the face. During the course of the attack, Williams pulled out a knife and repeatedly attempted to slash the victim’s neck, as the victim struggled to protect herself.
During the attack, Williams stabbed the victim in the face, causing a serious wound requiring roughly 40 stitches. Williams reportedly ended the attack only after bystanders intervened.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel Hampton.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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