FBI posts images of suspects in DC Chipotle teen takeover brawl; announces reward



The FBI's Washington Field Office on Tuesday posted images of suspects in connection with the D.C. Chipotle teen takeover brawl over the weekend and announced a reward.

The agency said that it — along with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department — is seeking information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of unknown individuals who were involved in Saturday's assault at a Chipotle restaurant in the Navy Yard.

'It was a takeover of a restaurant by individuals who felt like they could get away with it. Well, they're not going to get away with it.'

A reward of up to $5,000 is available, the FBI said.

Around 8:41 p.m., a group of unknown individuals entered the Chipotle located at 1255 First St. SE, the agency said. A fight immediately broke out between that group and another group already in the restaurant, the FBI said, adding that both groups fled prior to the arrival of police. Cellphone video shows brawlers using restaurant chairs as weapons.

In addition to the FBI's $5,000 reward, the agency said the Metropolitan Police Department "currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of anyone who is responsible for a crime committed in the district."

The FBI said those with information concerning these individuals or this incident can contact the FBI Washington Field Office at 202-278-2000 or the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099. Anonymous tips can be submitted via tips.fbi.gov, the agency said.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Tuesday announced the FBI's involvement in the investigation to find the culprits.

RELATED: Pirro: FBI now involved in probe to find culprits behind teen takeover brawl at DC Chipotle

"This kind of thing is destroying the quality of life in the District," Pirro said at a news conference Monday, WJLA-TV reported. "Residents are finding it extremely difficult to enjoy public parks and spaces, as well as waterfront areas. The residents are starting to feel like these out-of-control teens are taking away their happiness and their quiet enjoyment."

What's more, Saturday night's teen takeover brawl occurred just one day after Pirro promised a crackdown on juvenile crime in the District of Columbia by holding parents responsible.

"These teens — they need to find something productive to do," Pirro said, according to WJLA. "Parents, that's your job."

The station said she added: "It was not just violence occurring between individuals. It was simply destruction of property. It was a takeover of a restaurant by individuals who felt like they could get away with it. Well, they're not going to get away with it."

Pirro said she intends to "aggressively" prosecute the teens involved as well as their parents, WJLA noted.

"If you know where your teen is and what they are doing and allow them to continue their conduct and continue to allow them to flourish, we’re going to prosecute you," Pirro stated, the station reported.

Violent teen takeovers have become a nationwide issue.

Blaze News recently reported about several such incidents in Florida, with one occurring in Tampa earlier this month involving individuals as young as 12 years of age. In April, fights erupted and sheriff's deputies were hurt after more than 1,000 teenagers descended upon ICON Park in Orlando as part of a planned "takeover."

Tampa Police said that with summer approaching, the growing "takeover" trend has become a concern for communities across the country.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Pirro: FBI now involved in probe to find culprits behind teen takeover brawl at DC Chipotle



U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the FBI is now involved in the investigation to find the culprits in a teen takeover brawl over the weekend at a Washington, D.C., Chipotle restaurant — and Pirro blasted the brawlers' parents, WJLA-TV reported.

"This kind of thing is destroying the quality of life in the District," Pirro said at a news conference Monday, the station reported. "Residents are finding it extremely difficult to enjoy public parks and spaces, as well as waterfront areas. The residents are starting to feel like these out-of-control teens are taking away their happiness and their quiet enjoyment."

'It was like an ambush. They looked like ninjas, dressed in black, with ski masks, and they just piled into the main eatery.'

What's more, Saturday night's teen takeover brawl occurred just one day after Pirro promised a crackdown on juvenile crime in the District of Columbia by holding parents responsible.

"These teens, they need to find something productive to do," Pirro said, according to WJLA. "Parents, that's your job."

The Metropolitan Police Department said the incident began as a shouting match between two groups of youths and then escalated into a brawl, the station reported.

"It was not just violence occurring between individuals. It was simply destruction of property," Pirro said, according to WJLA. "It was a takeover of a restaurant by individuals who felt like they could get away with it. Well, they're not going to get away with it."

Pirro said she intends to "aggressively" prosecute the teens involved as well as their parents, the station noted.

"If you know where your teen is and what they are doing and allow them to continue their conduct and continue to allow them to flourish, we’re going to prosecute you," Pirro stated, WJLA reported.

RELATED: 'Teen chaos in DC': Brawl with chairs used as weapons erupts in Chipotle after Pirro's warning to parents of thugs

However, Pirro also said she needs D.C. Public Schools to help by giving her access to truancy records, the station noted.

She also said the Metropolitan Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General of D.C. are in place to assist with the prosecution of parents, WJLA reported.

In addition, Pirro implored the D.C. Council to reinstate a discretionary curfew so police can track and stop teen takeovers before they happen, the station said.

"We are in the most important city in the nation," Pirro added, according to WJLA. "This is the nation's capital. This is where the nation's 250 anniversary will take place on July. This is where we have to make people proud of that city on the hill, and unless we come together and do this together, it will not happen."

The station said video recorded inside the Chipotle during the brawl shows a man in a red shirt trying to protect his children. WJLA said it spoke to that man — Rafael Jauregui — on Monday, and he shared that he took his seven children to the Nationals-Orioles baseball game Saturday — and then to dinner at Chipotle.

Jauregui's five youngest kids — who range in age from 4 to 14 years old — were with him inside Chipotle when a brawl erupted, the station said.

"At that point, I tell the children, 'Get with me, get up, let's start backing up,'" the dad told WJLA. "And then it was like an ambush. They looked like ninjas, dressed in black, with ski masks, and they just piled into the main eatery."

More from the station:

Jauregui said he and the kids were backed into a corner. As an Air Force veteran, he said his military training kicked in, and he looked to see if any of the teens were armed with guns or knives, but didn't see any. Instead they lifted high chairs and other chairs and smashed them over each other while fighting. Rafael says he decided to protect the space around his kids, and not to allow any of the fighting teens to get too close.

He said he's proud that his two sons who were with him shielded their three younger sisters. But at the same time, he says his kids never should have had to witness what happened.

"My son said on the way home, 'Papa, I can't unsee that,'" Jauregui recounted to WJLA. "Those individuals have now directly impacted my security, my life. My children are now talking about [how they never] want to go to Chipotle again. Or at least not that one."

RELATED: Democratic mayor declares public emergency and reinstitutes juvenile curfew in DC

Jauregui added to the station that he supports Pirro's plan to crack down and charge parents in some cases.

“[I'm] in line with what the U.S. Attorney is trying to do, saying, 'Hey, listen, this is not just teenagers messing around, this is next level.' Where a dad can't bring ... kids to a Nats' game and grab a bite after," he noted to WJLA.

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs officer, told the station in a statement that "the health and safety of our employees and our guests is our highest priority. We have zero tolerance for guests who behave recklessly in our restaurants and put others at risk. No team members or guests were physically injured, and we are actively supporting local law enforcement in their investigation of the incident."

Pirro said during a news conference on Friday that "parental involvement has been a noted gap in any discussion [about teen takeovers]. That ends today," WJLA said.

Pirro told the station her office immediately would begin "aggressively prosecuting parents," and that she would be going after them specifically for "contributing to the delinquency of a minor," which she said is covered by D.C.'s curfew law.

"This statute makes it unlawful for an adult to enable, facilitate, or permit a minor to engage in delinquent acts," Pirro noted to WJLA. "The penalty is up to six months imprisonment."

She also said parents could face fines and mandatory classes in addition to jail time, the station said. Pirro also said parents could be charged even if their children involved in a takeover aren't prosecuted, WJLA reported.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Teen chaos in DC': Brawl with chairs used as weapons erupts in Chipotle after Pirro's warning to parents of thugs



A massive brawl broke out in a Washington, D.C., Chipotle restaurant Saturday night — with chairs being thrown and used as weapons — just one day after U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced she would prosecute parents of youths taking part in "teen takeovers," WJLA-TV reported.

The Metropolitan Police Department said officers were called around 8:41 p.m. to the Chipotle in the 1200 block of First Street SE in the Navy Yard over reports of a large fight inside the restaurant, the station said.

'It's really puzzling to me because there's nothing here for adolescents or teenagers. I understand DC is taking measures to involve youth in different programs, but I really think people's parents need to get more involved and understanding where their children are.'

Officers were already deployed nearby, monitoring a large group, and arrived within one minute of the call, WJLA said.

But police told the station that by the time officers arrived on scene, those involved in the brawl had already fled.

The station's video report described the incident as "teen chaos in D.C."

Ken Ledet, a Navy Yard resident, told WJLA he's witnessed similar danger in recent months.

"It's not shocking anymore, since this has become routine on Saturdays and Friday nights, but it's disappointing to know this is still happening," Ledet told the station. "I actually come to this Chipotle at least three or four times a week, so thankfully I didn't come here last night."

WJLA said its cameras captured the moment police officers chased down and arrested an individual just across the street, in the community's large field area.

RELATED: Parents of thugs in 'teen takeovers' may face fines — and even jail time, says Jeanine Pirro

Saturday night's incident took place just one day after Pirro announced she would prosecute parents of youths taking part "teen takeovers," the station said.

"Starting today, my office will aggressively prosecute parents under D.C.'s curfew law," Pirro said Friday, according to WJLA.

"It involves contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This statute makes it unlawful for an adult to enable, facilitate, or permit a minor to engage in delinquent acts," the station added.

More from the station:

In the past, MPD has established juvenile curfew zones in response to and to prevent incidents like what unfolded Saturday. Under D.C. law, there is already a citywide curfew for anyone under 18 from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. until 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

However, under emergency laws and executive orders, the MPD chief has recently had the power to establish juvenile curfew zones in certain areas, starting at 8 p.m., that ban kids from gathering in groups of nine or more for up to three days.

Both the temporary emergency law and the most recent mayoral order expired, meaning MPD could not establish these earlier curfew zones this weekend.

The D.C. Council approved a law creating a permanent curfew, but it will not go into effect until later in the summer, the station said.

Residents like Ledet told WJLA that accountability is needed.

"It's really puzzling to me because there's nothing here for adolescents or teenagers. I understand D.C. is taking measures to involve youth in different programs, but I really think people's parents need to get more involved and understanding where their children are," Ledet noted to the station.

A police report sent to WJLA Monday morning states two groups of juveniles got into an argument inside the restaurant before things escalated into a physical fight.

The police report states that "there was no report of injuries or damage," the station said.

Those with information are asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text tips to 50411, WJLA added.

Indeed, teen takeovers have become a nationwide concern.

Blaze News recently reported about several such incidents in Florida, with one occurring in Tampa earlier this month involving individuals as young as 12 years of age. In April, fights erupted and sheriff's deputies were hurt after more than 1,000 teenagers descended upon ICON Park in Orlando as part of a planned "takeover."

Tampa Police said that with summer approaching, the growing "takeover" trend has become a concern for communities across the country.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

13 DC police officials placed on leave, pending termination amid crime stat manipulation scandal



Over a dozen officials within the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department were placed on administrative leave on Monday amid allegations that the department manipulated its data to make crime appear lower.

During a Tuesday press conference, interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll announced that 13 officials had been placed on leave pending termination. Some of those individuals were already on leave “for other matters earlier,” he added.

'The corruption that endangered lives, eroded trust, and allowed shooters, robbers, and predators to evade justice cannot be tolerated.'

None of the officials has been fired, Carroll said.

He explained that the department’s internal affairs bureau had completed an investigation into crime reporting following a referral from the U.S. Attorney’s Office earlier this year.

“There were allegations of misconduct that were made, and based on those allegations, members were investigated, and the outcome is related to these individuals,” Carroll told reporters.

Despite the crime stat scandal, the interim MPD chief insisted that the department had made “meaningful progress over the last three years in reducing crime.”

“Homicides, shootings, and carjackings have fallen steadily since 2023,” he said.

RELATED: ‘F you’: Departing DC police chief invokes Bible in performative, preacher-like rebuke to critics amid crime stat scandal

Andrew Leyden/Getty Images

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been conducting its own investigation into the alleged manipulation of crime stats, including releasing an interim report in December that accused MPD leadership of pressuring and instructing commanders to downgrade crime classifications to lesser offenses.

Carroll noted that the department has been in communication with the committee concerning its probe.

RELATED: DC police chief manipulated crime stats to make city look better, report claims

Pamela Smith, Jeffery Carroll. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Washington Post/Getty Images

The DC Police Union, which has long accused the MPD of manipulating data, welcomed the news that the department had taken action against multiple officials.

“Justice is being served,” Gregg Pemberton, president of the DC Police Union, stated. “The command staff officials responsible for this betrayal must be held accountable, not just for the sake of the thousands of dedicated MPD officers they undermined, but for the residents of the District of Columbia who deserve honest leadership and real public safety. The corruption that endangered lives, eroded trust, and allowed shooters, robbers, and predators to evade justice cannot be tolerated.”

Former Police Chief Pamela Smith resigned in December amid the allegations. She maintains that she “never would have encouraged, intimidated, retaliated, or told anyone to change their numbers.”

Former Police Commander Michael Pulliam was suspended last year after he was accused of participating in the alleged data manipulation.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The divisive issue that could decide the midterms now has $200 million on the line



A bet on artificial intelligence is driving a nine-figure investment in the political world ahead of the midterms.

With millions of dollars on hand, one super PAC insistent on pushing artificial intelligence is injecting cash into political campaigns across the country.

'About half of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life.'

With the help of some generous venture capitalists, super PAC Leading the Future was just announced to have surpassed $140 million in just about a year and a half.

The latest donations have added to the $125 million raised in 2025.

Leading the Future — which says it is focused on "advancing a positive, forward-looking agenda for AI innovation in Washington, D.C." — has been willing to pump money into candidates from either party and has done so in states like Illinois, New York, and Texas.

Business Insider reports that the PAC generally pushes candidates who show broad support of AI and tech innovation, while keeping regulations light.

This included $1.4 million to Texas Republican candidates across four districts: Tom Sell, Jace Yarbrough, Jessica Steinmann, and Chris Gober.

For Democrats, $1.1 million was reportedly provided to former Rep. Melissa Bean, with $1.4 million going to Jesse Jackson Jr., both in Illinois.

The PAC is also supporting Democrat Alex Bores' run to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler (D) in New York, according to NOTUS.

RELATED: Catastrophic new iPhone threat leaked to hackers — are you safe?

Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images

The jury is still out in terms of support from the general public on AI overall, with skepticism and lack of acceptance still floating around 50/50.

Pew polling from 2025 showed that about half of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life. About half of respondents also said AI will worsen the ability to think creatively and form meaningful relationships.

The data also had Republicans and Democrats split on their concern. Half of respondents from both parties said they were more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI.

About 10% from both parties said they were more excited than concerned.

Favorability floats around 50% in 2026 polling from Data for Progress. It is most favored by black people (61%), those under 45 (61%), and men (57%). At the same time, it is mostly unfavorable with women (51%) and those over 45 (52%).

RELATED: Video: Why is a Chinese robot chasing wild boars in Poland?

Roberto Salomone/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Public skepticism may be the biggest hurdle for the super PAC to overcome, but it is also facing opposition money.

Another network called Public First is pledging $50 million to candidates who support regulation, in either party, in 2026.

Public First positions itself as representing American voters who have concerns about "the impacts of AI on kids, workers, consumers, and the American economy."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Anti-Trump Protesters Scream ‘Abolish The Police’ As Cops Assist Their March Through DC

'Cops spent hours accompanying the protest and holding off traffic for about a mile, giving them the entire Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge along the way'

Why Did Republicans Skip The Hearing For Epstein’s Billionaire Bestie Les Wexner?

'He’s already been investigated by the Department of Justice.'

Gun-wielding teen suspect arrested for charging the Capitol tells police he just wanted to 'talk'



Carter Camacho, who was arrested after he allegedly charged the United States Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday, told Capitol Police he "was just there to talk."

Camacho, 18, was detained by Capitol Police after he exited his vehicle and allegedly ran toward the Capitol carrying a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and dressed in a "tactical-style vest" and "camouflage-style clothing." Officers also reportedly recovered additional rounds of ammunition in Camacho's possession.

'Please avoid the area.'

The Georgia teenager was later charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol grounds.

Once officers placed Camacho in handcuffs, the teenager told Capitol Police that he was "just there to talk to a member of Congress," according to a DOJ press release.

RELATED: Suspected gunman arrested outside Congress

Today, Carter Camacho, 18, was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Grounds on February 17, 2026.

According to charging documents, Camacho exited his vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm and… pic.twitter.com/uCl9HFMqyI
— U.S. Attorney DC (@USAO_DC) February 18, 2026

Police also located a "fixed-blade knife" about 40 feet from the suspect's vehicle but noted that the case is still being investigated. Camacho made his first court appearance Wednesday and is expected to return to court on March 2. He will remain in custody until then, WTOP reported.

Capitol Police initially announced the incident on social media on Tuesday, saying officers had arrested an individual with "what appears to be a gun" outside the Capitol.

RELATED: FBI forced to release damning docs revealing chilling new details on Trump's would-be assassin

Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

"Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building," the statement reads. "Please avoid the area. We will provide more information when new information is confirmed."

Capitol Police also temporarily closed Maryland Avenue between First and Third Streets Southwest before concluding there was no further threat.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!