Preparedness
Armed Teen Carjacker Meets Match in Sotomayor’s Security Officers
"Sonia Sotomayor & Mary M. Schroeder" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 
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In a grave incident that unfolded recently, Deputy U.S. Marshals tasked with Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s security were forced to discharge their service firearms in response to an armed carjacking attempt. The event took place in the early hours of a past Friday, just outside Sotomayor’s residence in Washington D.C.’s Beauregard Condominiums complex.
The Marshals, situated in unmarked vehicles, were taken aback by the sudden appearance of an armed male suspect who emerged from a silver minivan around 1:15 a.m.
The suspect, brandishing a firearm, targeted a Deputy U.S. Marshal named only as “Black” in the reports. According to the Daily Mail, the suspect demanded Black’s vehicle. A chilling quote reflected the severity of the situation: “In most U.S cities, juveniles spend the summer hanging out with their friends, working summer jobs, visiting family members. In DC, juveniles carjack.”
Reacting to the threat, Black drew his service weapon and fired multiple shots at the suspect. One of these rounds reportedly hit the suspect in the mouth, causing significant injury but not posing a threat to his life.
A second Deputy Marshal was also involved in the incident, exiting his vehicle and discharging his firearm. Whether any of his shots connected with the suspect remains uncertain. After the altercation, Black provided first aid to the wounded suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Kentrell Flowers of Washington D.C.
Flowers was promptly transported to a nearby hospital to treat his non-life-threatening injuries. His apparent accomplice, however, did not remain at the scene. The silver van absconded northbound on 11th Street Northwest shortly after the shooting, as stated in a fact sheet filed in D.C. district court by Deputy U.S. Marshal Tyler Wells.
Despite efforts to locate the accomplice, the secondary suspect remains unidentified. Officers did recover a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson – the weapon allegedly used in the carjacking attempt. Thankfully, no Marshals were harmed in the face-off.
Flowers now faces charges of armed carjacking, carrying a pistol without a license, and possessing a large-capacity ammunition-feeding device. Investigations around the incident are ongoing.
Interestingly, initial statements from the Metro PD about the Marshal-involved shooting omitted that it unfolded near Justice Sotomayor’s residence. As the Daily Mail reported, her D.C. condo is a two-bedroom, two-bath property valued at over $860,000.
Sotomayor had once compared her residential neighborhood to New York’s East Village. She told the New York Times, “It has a touch of the East Village in it… I picked it because it’s mixed. I walk out and I see all kinds of people, which is the environment I grew up in and the environment I love.”
The U.S. Supreme Court’s public information officer did not respond to Blaze News when asked for a statement regarding the incident.
Former D.C. official K. Denise Rucker Krepp, who previously worked under the Obama administration, expressed her exasperation at the ongoing violence involving juveniles in the district. Speaking to Blaze News, she stated, “Washington DC, the District of Crime, has a juvenile carjacking problem… As was demonstrated last Friday, no one is safe from juvenile carjacking in the nation’s capital.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Survival isn’t just about wilderness skills or stockpiling food. In today’s America, survival means being ready — financially, mentally, and physically — for rapid change. Under President Trump’s current term, the country is moving fast. Supporters see decisive leadership, tougher borders, economic nationalism, and a renewed focus on American strength. But with that speed comes disruption, resistance, and uncertainty. That’s where personal preparedness comes in.
President Trump has made it clear he believes in self-reliance, national security, and strength over dependence. Those same principles apply at the household level. Whether it’s supply chain pressure, political unrest, inflation, or grid stress, Americans who prepare are simply harder to shake.
1. Control What You Can Control
Trump’s presidency has emphasized America first — but that mindset starts at home. You may not control Congress, global markets, or activist judges, but you can control your food, water, cash reserves, and personal security. A prepared household is less vulnerable to sudden price spikes, shortages, or emergencies caused by political or economic battles in Washington.
Stocking basic food, having backup power, and keeping cash on hand isn’t paranoia — it’s responsibility.
2. Supply Chains Are Still Fragile
Despite economic growth claims and lower energy prices in some areas, grocery costs and essentials remain unpredictable. Trump’s push for tariffs and reshoring manufacturing is aimed at long-term strength, but transitions aren’t painless. Short-term disruptions happen before long-term gains materialize.
Smart Americans don’t wait for headlines to confirm trouble. They quietly build buffers: extra food, household necessities, and alternative sourcing.
3. Civil Unrest Isn’t Going Away
Trump’s presidency continues to expose deep political divides. Protests, counter-protests, and aggressive rhetoric aren’t disappearing — they’re becoming normalized. Survival today means knowing how to avoid trouble, not chase it.
Situational awareness, safe travel habits, and basic home security upgrades matter more now than they did a decade ago. Strong borders don’t eliminate internal instability overnight.
4. Medical and Personal Readiness Matter
Government systems get stressed during shutdowns, disasters, or mass events. Trump often criticizes bloated bureaucracy for a reason — it moves slowly when speed matters. Having basic medical supplies, prescriptions, and personal health plans ensures you don’t depend entirely on institutions that may lag when demand spikes.
Preparedness is independence.
5. Survival Is a Mindset, Not Fear
Trump supporters are often labeled “fearful,” yet preparedness is the opposite of fear. It’s confidence. It’s knowing that no matter what happens — politically, economically, or socially — your family is stable.
The core Trump message has always been strength, resilience, and refusing to be weak or dependent. Survival thinking aligns perfectly with that philosophy.
America is changing. Fast leadership brings fast reactions. The prepared citizen doesn’t panic, protest, or plead — they adapt.
Survival today isn’t about hiding from the future. It’s about being ready to face it head-on.
Traveling internationally can be rewarding, but it also carries risks that vary widely by destination and situation. The U.S. government offers specific safety guidelines to help American travelers prepare, stay informed, and protect themselves throughout their trip.
Here are key practices U.S. citizens should follow to stay safe overseas:
1. Check Travel Advisories Before You Go
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for every country. These advisories use a four-level system to show risk:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Level 3: Reconsider travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
Before booking or departing, always review the current advisory for your destination. Higher levels indicate serious risks like crime, civil unrest, terrorism, health emergencies, or limited emergency services.
2. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Before departure, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service connects you to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and keeps you informed with real-time updates about safety, weather, civil unrest, or health issues in your destination. It also makes it easier for authorities to contact you or your emergency contacts if needed.
3. Know Local Laws and Customs
U.S. citizens abroad must obey the laws of the country they are visiting. Local legal systems and penalties can differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers should research local laws, dress codes, cultural norms, and any restricted activities before departure to avoid fines, detention, or legal complications.
4. Prepare Important Documents and Contacts
Carry your passport with you at all times and make digital copies of important documents like your passport page, travel insurance, and emergency contacts. Leave copies with someone at home and store them securely online. Keep local embassy contact information readily available in case you need assistance while abroad.
5. Have a Personal Emergency Plan
Emergencies can range from civil unrest and natural disasters to health crises and lost travel documents. Plan ahead:
- Know where the U.S. embassy or consulate is in your destination
- Have a communication plan with family or friends back home
- Know your travel insurance coverage and how to access medical care while abroad
- Understand evacuation routes and local emergency services
During a crisis, the U.S. government may not be able to evacuate you immediately. You should be ready to use commercial travel options to leave if it is safe to do so.
6. Stay Alert and Use Common Sense
Travel safety often comes down to ordinary precautions:
- Avoid risky areas and follow local authority instructions
- Keep a low profile and avoid displaying expensive items
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places
These practices reduce the chance of being targeted for theft or other crimes.
Why This Matters Today
Global travel risks can change quickly due to political tensions, health outbreaks, or civil unrest. For example, the U.S. government has issued worldwide travel caution alerts during periods of heightened international tension, underscoring the importance of staying updated with current risks.
Summary of Key Safety Steps
- Check official travel advisories for your destination
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Know local laws and customs
- Carry and secure important travel documents
- Prepare a personal emergency plan
- Stay alert and cautious throughout your trip
Traveling across the United States is one of the great freedoms Americans enjoy. Whether you’re driving state to state, flying cross-country, or taking a long road trip, staying safe and fully within the law doesn’t require anything complicated. It just takes preparation, awareness, and a few essentials that every traveler should have in place before they go.
Here are five things you need to travel across America confidently, safely, and legally.
1. Valid Government-Issued Identification
This is non-negotiable.
A valid ID proves who you are and allows you to travel without unnecessary delays or problems.
For most people, this means:
- A valid driver’s license or REAL ID
- A state-issued ID card if you don’t drive
- A valid U.S. passport (especially useful for air travel)
If you’re flying, your ID must meet TSA requirements. If you’re driving, your license must be current and not suspended. Keep your ID easily accessible, but secure.
2. Proof of Legal Residency or Citizenship (If Applicable)
If you are a U.S. citizen, carrying proof such as a passport or passport card adds an extra layer of security during long trips, especially near border states or when flying.
If you are a legal resident or visa holder, you should always carry:
- Your valid visa or green card
- Any required travel documents associated with your status
Having proper documentation protects you from misunderstandings and unnecessary stress.
3. Proper Vehicle Documents (If Driving)
If you’re traveling by car, make sure your paperwork is up to date.
This includes:
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- A valid driver’s license
Law enforcement checks are routine and usually brief when paperwork is in order. Keeping documents organized shows responsibility and helps everything go smoothly.
4. A Safe and Legal Travel Plan
You don’t need a strict itinerary, but you should know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
A smart travel plan includes:
- Knowing your route and major stops
- Booking legal accommodations (hotels, campgrounds, or rentals)
- Understanding basic state laws (speed limits, phone use, toll roads)
Each state has its own rules, and being aware of them helps you avoid fines or problems.
5. Emergency Contacts and Communication
Safety isn’t just about laws — it’s about preparedness.
Carry a charged phone, a car charger or power bank, and a written list of emergency contacts in case technology fails.
It’s also wise to:
- Share your travel plans with someone you trust
- Check weather conditions regularly
- Keep emergency numbers saved and written down
Prepared travelers are calm travelers.
Final Thought
Traveling across America legally and safely doesn’t require fear or special permissions. It requires valid identification, proper documents, respect for local laws, and basic preparedness.
When you travel with everything in order, you’re free to enjoy the journey — not worry about it.
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Suzie Wi
July 21, 2024 at 11:22 pm
Sounds like these two officers need to spend some time on the shooting range.
Justin
July 21, 2024 at 11:30 pm
18 is not a juvenile and he’s lucky he’s still on the green side of the grass
DanC
July 21, 2024 at 11:56 pm
Theft in the night, our laws cover that, bang, bang. The SS agent needs some target practice…
Gerald Hallman
July 22, 2024 at 1:12 am
These were identified as deputy US marshals not “private “ security personnel. If they were deputy marshals then they had legal right to carry. There needs to be more information about the individuals that were involved. Were they actually hired to protect Justice Sotomayor as Deputy Marshals on private duty. As a US Marshal they are allowed to carry since their guns were described as a service weapon. So the questions you asked are inaccurate.
Dr. Caligary
July 22, 2024 at 1:52 pm
So exactly how many shots were fired that did not hit their targets? Black fired multiple shots and one hit the carjacker in the mouth. Sounds to me these two need to go to the range and re-qualify!
don
July 22, 2024 at 3:19 pm
Too bad the perp was not killed. We will now spend millions trying, convicting, housing this creep for years. Death is cheaper – and more instructive.
Old Man
July 23, 2024 at 12:30 pm
“In most U.S cities, juveniles spend the summer hanging out with their friends, working summer jobs, visiting family members. In DC, juveniles carjack.”
Welcome to Democrat Washington D.C.
Jack
July 23, 2024 at 6:08 pm
She should have just sat on the perp. It would have squashed him quite sufficiently.