Youth Curfew Reinstated At National Harbor
Alsobrooks Declares State Of Emergency, Unsupervised Youth Ban Starts April 26, 2024
Excerpted from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ April 25 Edition of Community Connections
As you may have heard, last weekend, a large gathering of unaccompanied youth visited the National Harbor causing a major public disturbance. The incident was troubling, and we know the community here in the National Harbor has been concerned about crime. There have been reports of large crowds of juveniles and minors gathering and engaging in vandalism, violence, theft, and other criminal behavior that has been a frustration to this community and its residents.
We want the residents of this community to know that we share in their frustration and want to make it clear that this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It is impacting the quality of life for all those who call this community home. From families traveling to and from work every day, or out enjoying the neighborhood, to the businesses and their employees. Everyone who calls the National Harbor home deserves to experience peace and to enjoy their homes and their community, which is why we are announcing concrete steps to protect the peace at National Harbor.
I am declaring, by Executive Order, a State of Emergency and there will be a juvenile curfew at National Harbor beginning Friday, April 26, at 5:00 PM. Anyone 16 years old and younger, without supervision, must be off the property between 5:00 PM and 6:00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Some exceptions apply, including:
Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years or older.
Minors accompanied by a person over the age of twenty-one authorized by a parent or guardian.
Minors who are on the sidewalk in front of where they reside, or the residence of a next-door neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to the police.
Minors who are returning home, by a direct route from a school activity, or an activity of a religious or other association, or place of employment.
Authorized attendees to a senior prom event at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Exemption is applicable to authorized attendees directly going to the Gaylord and leaving the National Harbor immediately after the prom event has ended.
This Executive Order curfew is just a temporary measure as we finalize a long-term solution using legislation that is currently working its way through our County Council. But we also want to make sure it is clear that the government can only do so much. We need our parents to talk to your children, know where they are, and understand what is going on with them. We need parents to play an active part in keeping their children occupied with constructive activities and until people start finding accountability, we are not going to be able to fix this problem once and for all. The violence and disorderly conduct that has happened is completely unacceptable, and adopting these measures will help ensure that the vast majority of people can continue to enjoy everything that National Harbor has to offer in a safe, fun way with their families and friends.
Ultimately, the visitors that come to National Harbor just want to shop, enjoy a meal, and have fun on the waterfront without incident. Residents want to feel peace and safety in their neighborhood. Businesses want to provide their services without concern. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can feel secure when they come to enjoy all that our vibrant community has to offer. This Executive Order is the first of many steps we have planned to keep National Harbor fun for everyone.
Learn more information on the National Harbor Juvenile Curfew here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
