Pirro Brings New Charges in Brutal DC Attack Against DOGE Employee
Federal prosecutors on Monday announced additional charges in the violent August assault that left former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward “Big Balls” Coristine severely injured — a case that has become a national symbol of Washington, D.C.’s soft-on-crime failures.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro revealed that 19-year-old Lawrence Cotton-Powell and 18-year-old Anthony Taylor were arrested and charged with attempted unarmed carjacking, robbery, and assault with intent to commit robbery. Both face potentially decades behind bars if convicted. Two 15-year-olds had already been charged in the same incident — and released by a local judge, a decision that drew widespread public outrage.
“Today, we are announcing that Lawrence Cotton-Powell, 19, along with Anthony Taylor, 18, are now charged with assault,” Pirro said during a press conference. She emphasized that Cotton-Powell has a long criminal record and had been released multiple times despite committing a string of violent crimes in the past year.
Pirro excoriated D.C. judges for creating what she called a “revolving door justice system.”
“After a felony conviction for attempted robbery, after a probation violation, after another assault, after failing to comply with supervision — he was still released,” she said. “Within ten days, he was back out, brutally assaulting Edward Coristine and another victim.”
The attack occurred in the early morning hours of August 3, when Cotton-Powell and Taylor allegedly joined a group that assaulted 22-year-old Ethan Levine and his friends outside a U Street Sunoco station — robbing Levine of his sneakers and watch. Minutes later, the same group confronted Coristine and a female companion near Swan Street. Coristine pushed the woman into her car to shield her as the assailants descended.
“They ran up on me, slammed me against the car, and started throwing punches,” Coristine later told Fox News. “I just tried to protect my head the best I could. I ended up with a broken nose and a concussion. It could’ve been much worse.”
A Metropolitan Police officer witnessed part of the assault and called for backup, prompting the suspects to scatter. Two juveniles were arrested that night but were promptly released into family court custody — a move that President Donald J. Trump condemned as another example of the Left’s failed approach to public safety.
President Trump praised Coristine as a “hero” and directed federal agencies to assist D.C. police, underscoring his administration’s renewed focus on restoring law and order in the capital.
Pirro said the case highlights the deep flaws in the District’s justice system, blasting local judges and the D.C. Council for enabling violent offenders.
“This case underscores the escalating challenges we face in confronting crime in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “It is time for the D.C. Council to reconsider the laws that allow these young offenders to go out and victimize again and again. The people of this district deserve safety — not excuses.”
Pirro detailed Cotton-Powell’s long record: a felony attempted robbery conviction in April, probation instead of prison, and repeated releases following new arrests.
“After a second conviction, after no compliance with supervision, the judge told him to ‘do better’ and let him go,” Pirro said. “Within 10 days, he was at it again.”
Taylor, from Maryland, faces identical charges. Prosecutors are still reviewing his criminal background.
Pirro praised the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and Mayor Muriel Bowser for cooperating with federal authorities in tracking down the suspects.
The assault on Coristine has since galvanized conservatives and everyday citizens frustrated with D.C.’s soft-on-crime agenda. President Trump’s message resonated across social media when he shared an image of Coristine’s injuries, writing:
“This brave young man deserves justice, not excuses.”
Cotton-Powell and Taylor remain in federal custody and are expected to appear in court later this week.