WASHINGTON, D.C. - The surge in crime in major cities over the past several years has been well-documented. Our nation’s capital has been one of those leading crime-ravaged cities, and now a city lawmaker is facing recall after she was a leading proponent of the ill-advised scheme to defund city police.
Newsweek reports that a committee has been formed seeking the recall of D.C. Councilwoman Brianne Nadeau, citing her role in “a historic spike in both violent and property crime.” The committee alleges that D.C. crime exploded after Nadeau pushed to reduce police funding in the aftermath of career criminal George Floyd’s death and ensuing Black Lives Matter riots in 2020.
“Brianne Nadeau voted for a budget that defunded the police by $15 million despite Mayor Bowser’s objections and passed legislation that reduced penalties on violent criminals, including for repeat offenders who committed gun crimes, carjackings, and violent assaults,” a website for the recall campaign alleged.
In supporting their efforts, the campaign posted statistics showing crime in D.C. Ward 1, represented by Nadeau since 2015, has surged. According to Crime Data DC, homicides in her ward have doubled between 2022 and 2023, from 14 to 28. Meanwhile, auto thefts, robberies, and burglaries have also skyrocketed over the same period.
Diana Alvarez, who chairs the recall effort, not only cited statistics but also had personal experience at her city business.
“The historic rise in crime is not just mere numbers; they represent shattered lives, eroded trust, and a community living in fear,” Alvarez said. “My business experienced three violent robberies. My employees were terrorized, and my security costs have become astronomical.”
She laid much of the blame at Nadeau’s feet, saying she needs to be “held accountable.”
“I know that I am one of many people and businesses in this dire situation,” Alvarez continued. “Brianne Nadeau has fundamentally failed to take any consequential action to reduce crime, and it is time she is held accountable.”
Nadeau, however, claims that her Ward’s safety is her “top priority” in a statement emailed to Newsweek.
‘People’s fears and frustrations about crime are rational and understandable,” Nadeau, who was reelected in 2022 with an unbelievable 80 percent of the vote, said. “That’s why I have been working together with public safety experts, community leaders, and the Mayor on comprehensive solutions.”
Nadeau highlights recent initiatives aimed at addressing the city's crime issues. These efforts include drafting legislation to enhance police cadet recruitment, advocating for enhancements to the city's 911 emergency center and an evidence processing lab. Additionally, she is actively urging the U.S. attorney to increase the prosecution of cases. It's worth noting that she did not mention any plans to augment the number of police officers.
“No amount of legislation will put criminals in jail if the crime lab doesn’t process the evidence and the U.S. Attorney won’t bring their cases to court,” Nadeau said. “I will always work with and for my constituents to help Ward 1 and the District continue to grow and thrive. A recall does not change that.”
Nadeau herself has seen the rise in homicides up close and personally, after a former staffer, Davon Fuller, was shot and killed last year after a “disagreement” outside a supermarket in the northeastern part of D.C.
To bring a recall forward for a special election, those seeking her ouster would need to get the signatures of at least 10 ten percent of the district’s registered voters, which amounts to 6,100 people. Of 61,000 registered voters in the district, 47,000 are registered Democrats, while only 2,500 are registered Republicans. The remainder are independent or unaffiliated.
Fox 5 in D.C. reports that Nadeau isn’t the only city lawmaker facing a recall effort. Last week, residents in Ward 6 launched a similar effort to oust Councilman Charles Allen. As with Nadeau, the recall effort centers around the explosion of crime in the city.
“Not surprised that they [Nadeau petitioners] started a recall effort as well. Everything boils down to crime,” said April Brown, treasurer for the effort to recall Allen. “My mom was carjacked in 2020 by four juveniles who had a gun to her head. Charles Allen’s policies have created a mess.”
The campaign to remove Allen has garnered support from more than 600 volunteers and has secured over $90,000 in funding. In a city where Democrats hold a significant majority, Allen achieved an impressive 94% of the vote, surpassing the 80% total achieved by Nadeau in 2022.
The committee seeking to recall Allen was asked by Fox-5 why they couldn’t wait until the next election in 2026 to remove him.
“We can’t wait two more years to do something. People need to stand up,’ said Moses Mercado, field director for Recall Charles Allen. “You know the old adage evil prevails when good people do nothing, and I think what you’re seeing is people are finding their voice and saying, ‘yes, we can do something.’”
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