Prince George’s County Executive announces juvenile curfew at National Harbor

Ya-Marie Sesay
·2 min read
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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (DC News Now) — Prince George’s County is reinstating its juvenile curfew at the National Harbor after multiple fights broke out between juveniles over the weekend.

Starting Friday, teens who are 16 years old or younger will have to be off the National Harbor property from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. County leaders say they’ve seen a recent increase in shoplifting, violence and criminal behavior at the National Harbor – and they’re not tolerating it anymore.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that this type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Emergency teen curfew bill advances after National Harbor brawl

At a press conference on Thursday, Alsobrooks announced she’s implementing a state of emergency juvenile curfew at the National Harbor. She says this curfew was already in the works but last weekend’s incidents led them to implement the curfew earlier than expected.

“I am deeply angered and disappointed by the [teens] that were involved in looting stores and engaging in acts of violence at National Harbor last weekend. And those responsible will be held to account for their actions,” she said.

“Last weekend, we saw an upward estimate of about 800 juveniles converge on the National Harbor…They were there to be disorderly, fighting, shoplifting, smoking, cannabis, being confrontational with business owners and residents and law enforcement personnel,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz.

Exceptions include the following:

  • Minors with someone 21 and older;

  • Minors that are on the sidewalk near their home or at a neighbor’s home;

  • Minors returning home from school, work or activity;

  • Minors attending senior prom at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Under the curfew, parents can also be held accountable. The first offense will be a warning,
after that parents could be fined up to $250, as well as the costs for county personnel staying with their child that violated curfew, if they are not picked up within an hour of being notified.

The county council is looking to pass a long-term juvenile curfew law, which they’re expected to vote on in the coming days.

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