A fight over a hat turned deadly in Washington’s Chinatown last May, resulting in a 66-month prison sentence for the defendant. Tanade Warsame, 32, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and contempt after a jury trial in Superior Court in September 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 4, 2024, Warsame and the victim agreed to a fist fight over a hat. During the fight, Warsame produced a knife in his hand and made multiple striking and slicing motions toward the victim. The victim was stabbed three times.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant United States Attorney Jasmine Dohemann and former Assistant United States Attorney Katelyn Benton prosecuted the case.
Warsame had been ordered to stay away from Chinatown in a previous case, and his decision to return to the area and engage in violence has led to severe consequences. The victim suffered significant injuries, and the community is safer thanks to the efforts of law enforcement.
On June 27, 2025, Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Warsame to 48 months for assault with significant bodily injury while armed, 12 months for committing that offense while on release, and 180 days for contempt. In addition to the prison term, Judge Pipe ordered Warsame to serve five years of supervised release.
The sentence handed down by Judge Pipe is a just one, given the severity of the crime and Warsame’s prior record. The community should be safe from individuals who choose to engage in violent behavior, especially when it involves a deadly weapon.
The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia worked tirelessly to bring Warsame to justice, and their efforts have made a significant impact in keeping the community safe.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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