Two additional suspects have been charged in the attempted carjacking and assault of a 19-year-old man working for the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, a crime that prompted a White House law-enforcement surge in the capital.
Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, and Anthony Taylor, 18, were arrested last week in connection with the Aug. 3 attack on Edward Coristine, a prominent DOGE employee known as “Big Balls.” Two 15-year-old suspects from Maryland had previously been charged, convicted, and sentenced for the same beating.
“This case underscores the escalating challenges that we face in confronting crime in Washington, D.C.,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said at a news conference on Monday.
Edward Coristine was walking a woman to her car in the city’s Logan Circle neighborhood when a group of teenagers attacked him, repeatedly punching and kicking him, authorities said. The suspects fled after spotting a police officer nearby.
The assault on Coristine prompted President Donald Trump to deploy a surge of federal agents and National Guard members throughout Washington.
Laurence Cotton-Powell and Anthony Taylor also face accusations of taking part in a separate attack and robbery at a gas station shortly before they assaulted Coristine, Pirro said.
Laurence Cotton-Powell was arrested last Thursday, and Anthony Taylor was taken into custody last Friday. Both face charges in D.C. Superior Court, including attempted unarmed carjacking, robbery, and assault with intent to commit a robbery.
Last Tuesday, a federal judge sentenced the two 15-year-old suspects to probation after they pleaded guilty to assaulting Coristine. President Trump criticized the decision, calling it “terrible” not to incarcerate the teens.
“I think the judge should be ashamed of himself,” Trump said during an Oval Office appearance.