Democratic Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar was the victim of a carjacking at gunpoint near his residence in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred just blocks from the Capitol and involved three to four armed men holding guns to Cuellar’s head and stealing his car and phone. Fortunately, Cuellar was unharmed, and he is cooperating with local law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. has not confirmed the victim’s identity at this time.
The carjacking of Congressman Cuellar highlights the dangerous reality of car thefts in Washington, where there have been 750 carjackings reported as of Sunday. Disturbingly, 75% of these incidents involved guns. Despite this alarming trend, the authorities are yet to provide a comprehensive plan to address this issue. Cuellar’s office expressed gratitude to the Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police for their swift action in recovering the stolen vehicle.
This incident raises concerns regarding the safety and security of elected officials in the nation’s capital. The carjacking occurred as Cuellar was parking his car, suggesting that even prominent figures are not immune to such crimes. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to take measures to ensure the protection of not only public figures but also all residents of Washington, D.C. who face the threat of carjackings on a regular basis. The actions taken following this incident could potentially shape future policies aimed at combating car theft and improving safety in the city.