Security officer shoots suspect attempting to carjack Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor.

A dramatic and potentially deadly carjacking attempt was thwarted in Washington, D.C., when a bold would-be criminal pointed a gun at a U.S. Marshal assigned to protect the homes of U.S. Supreme Court Justices, near the residence of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning on the 2100 block of 11th Street NW, with two Deputy U.S. Marshals on duty conducting a protective detail. The carjacker, identified as Kentrell Flowers, 18, emerged from a silver minivan and approached one of the unmarked Marshal’s vehicles, with a loaded handgun in hand, as detailed in a criminal complaint filed by the D.C. Metropolitan Police.

Flowers brazenly pointed the firearm at the Deputy U.S. Marshal through the driver-side window, attempting to commandeer the vehicle. In a swift and decisive response, the Deputy Marshal drew his service firearm and discharged approximately four rounds at Flowers through the window. A second Marshal from a different vehicle also reacted and fired his service weapon at the assailant.

Fortunately, there is no indication that Justice Sotomayor was present in her home at the time of the incident or in any imminent danger as the chaotic scene unfolded near her residence in Washington, D.C.

After the gunfire subsided, authorities were able to recover a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with 8 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition in a 13-round capacity magazine, confirming the seriousness of Flowers’ intentions as outlined in the police complaint.

Following the exchange of gunfire, Flowers sustained a gunshot wound to the mouth and was promptly rushed to a local hospital to receive medical treatment for his non-life-threatening injuries. Subsequently, he was arrested at the healthcare facility and now faces a litany of charges that include armed carjacking, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

Notably, the harrowing incident is emblematic of a larger trend of carjacking offenses plaguing the nation’s capital this year. With a reported 258 carjacking offenses in Washington, D.C., so far in 2024, data reveals that a staggering 71% of these incidents involved the use of firearms.

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the statistics with a 46% decrease in carjacking offenses year-to-date, compared to the same period in the previous year, showcasing a positive trend in the fight against such criminal activities.

The capital city has been no stranger to high-profile carjacking incidents, with notable cases making headlines in recent months. From the tragic shooting of former Trump administration member Mike Gill during a carjacking rampage in January to the heroic actions of a U.S. Secret Service agent thwarting attempted car break-ins in November, the alarming spike in carjacking incidents has put residents and law enforcement on high alert.

One such incident involved U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, who fell victim to a carjacking near the Capitol, where three armed assailants stole his vehicle without inflicting physical harm on him, underscoring the pervasive nature of car-related crimes in the nation’s capital.

In conclusion, the shocking events of the attempted carjacking near Justice Sotomayor’s residence serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and residents in Washington, D.C. Despite the bravery and quick actions of the Deputy U.S. Marshals in neutralizing the threat, the incident underscores the ongoing battle against carjacking offenses and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the community.