Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.
Scattered rain and snow showers are expected until 9am, followed by a slight chance of rain showers until noon. The day will be mostly cloudy, reaching a high of around 44 degrees, with northwest winds at 7-14 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to a low of 29 degrees and northwest winds at 7-13 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
James Yoo, 56, is presumed dead as a result of the explosion of the duplex at 844 N. Burlington Street, in the Bluemont neighborhood, Arlington County police confirmed during a news conference this afternoon.
Human remains were located at the scene, said Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn, and the medical examiner is working to identify the remains. There are no ongoing threats to the community and no outstanding suspects, Penn added.
The explosion happened around 8:25 p.m. Monday and was heard — and felt — from miles around. It followed a standoff that started around 4:45 p.m. as Yoo fired some 30-40 flares from his window, sending them over neighboring Fields Park and in the direction of Key Elementary School.
The force of the explosion shattered home and car windows near the blast site and injured several Arlington police officers. The officers suffered only minor injuries, police previously said.
As many as a dozen surrounding homes were damaged and ten households temporarily displaced by the explosion, ACPD said today. Nearby residents, including those in the duplex unit adjoining Yoo, were evacuated by firefighters about an hour and a half prior to the explosion, authorities said. Those displaced are being provided with temporary housing and necessities, Penn said.
Gas to the house was turned off at the meter prior to the explosion, according to ACFD Assistant Fire Chief Jason Jenkins.
“Their efforts last evening saved lives, period,” Jenkins said. “They minimized damage to property, and I thank them for their efforts.”
Before the explosion, ACPD used a SWAT vehicle to breach the front door and establish communication with Yoo, ordering him to come out. As officers “tried to engage with the suspect,” they “experienced what is believed to be multiple gunshots from a firearm coming from within the dwelling,” Penn said.
Arlington police then “began to deploy non-flammable, less-lethal chemical munitions” in several parts of the home they thought Yoo might be hiding, in an attempt to get him to surrender. Shortly thereafter, the house erupted in a giant fireball that sent debris soaring through the air. Some debris was found several streets away, authorities said.
Firefighters battled the resulting fire for hours, until the early morning hours, with ACFD using a water stream from a ladder truck to douse the potentially gas-fed flames. The fire is now out, authorities said.
Neighbors told ARLnow that Yoo had previously pulled a knife on people looking at the house while it was listed for sale for a few months in 2021. Three days before Monday’s incident he had posted a paranoid rant on Linkedin against his neighbors in the duplex, at the end of quiet street that dead-ends at the Bluemont Junction Trail, near Arlington County Fire Station No. 2.
Penn said that police are now aware of Yoo’s “concerning” social media posts, but noted that he was otherwise largely off the police department’s radar before last night.
“The Arlington County Police Department does not have any prior documented interactions with the suspect at this address other than two calls for service for loud noise,” Penn said.
At Fire Station No. 2 today, numerous personnel from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could be seen, helping the Arlington County police and fire departments investigate what caused the explosion. Penn said the ATF and the FBI are both assisting with the investigation, alongside the Northern Virginia Critical Incident Response Team and the Arlington County Fire Marshal’s Office.
David Sundberg, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, said the bureau received communication from Yoo in the past about “alleged frauds” against him.
The FBI and ATF both sent bomb technicians and other investigators to the scene and are working to determine the cause of the explosion, spokespeople said. No timeline was given for when the investigation will conclude, other than it is expected to “extensive and time consuming.”
Wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 24, 2019 (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The annual Wreaths Across America event is returning to Arlington National Cemetery next week.
The event will take place next Saturday, Dec. 16, starting at 8 a.m. Members of the public are invited “to lay wreaths at headstones and columbarium niches throughout the cemetery to honor and remember our nation’s service members this holiday season.”
Some 30,000-40,000 people were expected to attend last year’s event. The crowds make getting to the cemetery a bit challenging and preclude parking at the visitors lot for most people.
More on the event and how to get there, below, from an Arlington National Cemetery press release.
Arlington National Cemetery is privileged to invite the public to lay wreaths at headstones and columbarium niches throughout the cemetery to honor and remember our nation’s service members this holiday season.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event will be held at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC). ANC will open to visitors at 8 a.m., and SAHNC will open at noon.
“We are honored to uphold this beautiful tradition by providing the public with an opportunity to lay wreaths at the graves of those laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery this holiday season,” said Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries and the Office of Army Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera.
Our top priority is the safety and security of our visitors and employees during this event. Visitors should anticipate large crowds and difficulty driving vehicles in the vicinity of Arlington National Cemetery due to road closures. All visitors must pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering the cemetery.
No vehicular traffic will be permitted inside the cemetery on Dec. 16, and there will be no vehicle parking for the public in the ANC Welcome Center parking garage except for handicapped and family pass holder visitors (see below). We recommend visitors use public transportation or a ride share service for travel to and from the cemetery.
“To ensure the safety of our visitors on this special day, we encourage those attending to plan ahead to ensure a seamless visit,” said Superintendent Charles “Ray” Alexander. “Visit our website and follow us on social media for event updates and more information.”
Event Details
The Arlington National Cemetery entrances – Memorial Ave., Ord & Weitzel Gate, Service Complex Gate (located on Columbia Pike near the Pentagon) and Old Post Chapel Gate (DoD ID cardholders only) – will open to the public at 8 a.m.\
All visitors must pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) will be accessible to DoD ID card holders only; however, parking will be limited to the Tri-Services parking lot located across from Spates Community Center.
Using Metro to Access the Cemetery
Visitors are encouraged to use metro transportation to access the cemetery. The Arlington Cemetery metro stop will take visitors to the main Memorial Ave. entrance. There are additional access points via the Rosslyn or Pentagon stations. It is an approximately 15-minute walk from these locations to one of the cemetery entrances.
For those exiting the metro at the Rosslyn stop, please enter the cemetery through the Ord and Weitzel Gate.
For those exiting the metro at the Pentagon stop, please enter the cemetery through the Service Complex Gate.
Visitors traveling by Metro are encouraged to purchase fare ahead of time. To avoid lines, the best option is SmarTrip mobile pay: https://wmata.com/fares/MobilePay/index.cfm.
Outside of Dorothy Hamm Middle School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Taller Lights for Fields? — “Taller lighting stands on Arlington government and school athletic fields could be coming down the pike, if County Board members in mid-December approve a proposed change to the county’s zoning ordinance. Current zoning language mandates a maximum of 68 feet for field and court lighting on county properties. The proposed change, tucked into a package of zoning alterations, would give board members the power to waive that restriction.” [Gazette Leader]
Trail Bumps Removed — From the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail: “Commuters who use the MVT and ride through Gravelly Point rejoice! We spent 7 hours removing those nasty trail bumps.” [Twitter]
HS Basketball Season Underway — “With a couple of new head coaches and a number of different starting players for many of the teams, high-school basketball in Arlington County has some new looks for the 2023-24 season. The campaign began last week for all of the girls and boys varsity teams.” [Gazette Leader]
Fund in Memory of Clark — “The Arlington Historical Society has established the Charlie Clark Memorial Historical Preservation Fund to honor the work of local historian, author and journalist Charlie Clark. The fund will be used to help advance Clark’s passion for historical preservation, including AHS’s two historic properties: the Ball-Sellers House and the Arlington Historical Museum.” [Patch]
Beyer Supports New Nat’l Holiday — “U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th) has signed on as a cosponsor of legislation to create a federal holiday honoring Rosa Parks. The measure, introduced in January by Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), would designate Dec. 1 each year to honor the civil-rights icon.” [Gazette Leader]
Hit and Run Sunday Night — From Alan Henney: “HIT-AND-RUN PEDESTRIAN STRUCK— S Eads St at S Glebe Rd in Arlington. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital; still alert.” [Twitter]
Citizen Police Academy Applications Open — “The Arlington County Police Department is now accepting applications for the 28th Community Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is an educational program designed to provide an opportunity to enhance the lines of communication and understanding between police and members of the Arlington community.” [ACPD]
It’s Tuesday — Clouds will increase throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of 46 and a northwest wind blowing 3 to 6 mph. On Tuesday night, expect scattered rain and snow showers before 1am, transitioning to rain showers between 1am and 4am, and then returning to a mix of rain and snow showers after 4am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low temperature of around 36. A calm wind will become northerly at around 5 mph after midnight, and there is a 40% chance of precipitation. [Weather.gov]
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
🌦️ Tuesday’s forecast
Expect partly sunny skies with a high around 48 and a northwest wind at 3 to 7 mph. Tuesday night will bring scattered rain showers after 10 pm, mixing with snow after 4 am, and a mostly cloudy sky with a low around 36. A calm wind will shift to the north around 6 mph after midnight, and there is a 40% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
(Updated at 11:30 p.m.) A large explosion, heard throughout Arlington, has rocked the Bluemont neighborhood after a police standoff.
A duplex, where a suspect was involved in an ongoing incident with police, exploded in a massive fireball as police, including a SWAT armored vehicle, moved in. It followed the suspect repeatedly firing a flare gun over nearby Fields Park.
Residents in the area were being instructed to shelter in place, while others were evacuated by police.
Arlington County police said the person inside the house fired shots as officers tried to enter the home, just before the explosion. A video, below, shows the explosion (the video contains strong language and disturbing imagery.)
“As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home,” said ACPD. “Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.”
“I think it blew up the entire duplex,” one neighbor told ARLnow in the immediate aftermath. “I’m sure the family next door was evacuated before it blew up but they lost their home.”
Firefighters were still working to extinguish small residual fires from the resulting blaze as of 11:30 p.m., three hours after the explosion. Investigators — including from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — are on scene.
Paramedics were initially told to expect “multiple burn patients” after the explosion, but police said around 9:30 p.m. that officers on scene only “reported minor injuries with no one transported to the hospital.”
Numerous residents described the shock of the huge blast to ARLnow.
One said the explosion “literally shook my bed” and described an “acrid stench” afterward.
Another said he was in the shower at the time.
“It shook my entire house and I didn’t know what it was at first,” said Dave Tran. “So I ran outside and I saw… the entire house was just leveled.”
Alex Wilson, the neighbor who took the video seen above — and shared worldwide on social media tonight — told ARLnow that the resident of the home was firing a rifle at police as they used the SWAT vehicle to try to get inside.
“When they rammed the front door he started firing an AR back at them,” he said. Wilson said he saw at least one officer injured following the explosion.
“He was able to walk but he was like holding his head,” said Wilson.
“About 10 families gathered to rake leaves at Arlington Church of the Brethren, just as the leaf truck arrived on Saturday morning 12/2” (photo courtesy anonymous)
Pike Blocked By Water Main Break — From Takis Karantonis: “Since early this [Saturday] morning #ColumbiaPike is closed on both directions from S Scott to S Rolfe for an emergency repair. Cars detour / bus-service experiences delays @ArlingtonDES and @ArlingtonVaPD are out in full force (thank you!)” [Twitter, Twitter]
Pike Disables Bus — From Dave Statter: “A Metrobus is stuck in a depression or hole after making the turn from southbound George Mason onto westbound Columbia Pike. @ArlingtonVaPD officers have fashioned one lane to get around the bus.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Obit: Richard Barton — “Richard Alan Barton passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023, at his home in Arlington, Virginia. He was 85… In addition to his work on Capitol Hill, Richard enjoyed an active life in Arlington affairs, chairing numerous civic committees, serving on the Arlington School Board, and as Chair of the Arlington Democratic Committee.” [Legacy]
Local Man Spreading Joy — “As we motor through a daily sea of work, chores and other obligations, it’s the littlest things we leave in our wake that make the greatest contributions. That’s the philosophy of one of Arlington’s newer residents, Gary Shulman. He’s been making waves in the community ever since he arrived just 18 short months ago with his efforts to bring neighbors together, provide help and generally spread joy and compassion through something he calls ‘little legacies.'” [Arlington Magazine]
Maizal Open in Pentagon City — “It took almost three years, but Maizal is now open for business along S. Hayes Street at [the Pentagon City mall.]” [Twitter]
It’s Monday — Expect a partly sunny day with a high temperature of around 52 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. As evening approaches, the skies will be partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 36 degrees, with the northwest wind continuing at 7 to 9 mph. [Weather.gov]
After a foggy morning, Saturday night and Sunday morning might be even foggier.
Dense fog has formed in Arlington and around the D.C. area, making driving increasingly hazardous as the fog gets thicker.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
…LOCALLY DENSE FOG DEVELOPING EAST OF BLUE RIDGE…
Locally dense fog is now developing in many areas between the Blue Ridge and the Interstate 95 corridor, as a steady light to moderate rain begins to overspread the area. This is reducing visibility to one mile or less. As the fog expands and thickens tonight, expect Dense Fog Advisories to be issued. Dense fog is hazardous if driving at high speeds. Be prepared for rapidly changing visibility. Slow down, increase following distance, and use low beam headlights when encountering dense fog.
Locally dense fog is now developing in many areas east of the Blue Ridge. Expect dense fog to become widespread overnight, with visibility at or below one-quarter of a mile expected. Be sure to practice safe driving in reduced visibility. #MDwx#VAWX#DCwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/c2pLXM4BK4
We were lucky to see even a glimpse of the fireworks from @WharfDC. Visibility is much worse now. Can't even see the Aquatics Center just up the street on this side of the river. Hope all of the boats get home safely. #fireworkspic.twitter.com/wFyu6TkHiM
Scene of shots fired in Green Valley (photo courtesy anonymous)
Children play near scene of shots fired in Green Valley (photo courtesy anonymous)
Scene of shots fired in Green Valley in December 2023 (photo courtesy anonymous)
Scene of shots fired in Green Valley (photo courtesy anonymous)
Scene of shots fired in Green Valley (photo courtesy anonymous)
Update on 12/20/23 — Two arrests have been made, ACPD announced.
Earlier: Gunshots were fired near where a group of children were playing this afternoon in the Green Valley neighborhood.
Multiple 911 callers reported the sound of gunshots shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saturday. One caller heard seven shots, near the 2200 block of Shirlington Road. Others reported seeing a group of men arguing and then running away after the shots.
Arlington County police said around 4:15 p.m. that they’ve found no evidence of injuries or property damage as a result of the gunfire. Officers remain on scene investigating,
A group called Green Valley Matters was holding a children’s soccer game in a park near where the shots were fired. The group was founded to advocate for public safety and community improvement in the neighborhood.
ACPD issued the following press release about the incident on Sunday.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a shots fired incident which occurred in the Green Valley neighborhood on the afternoon of December 2, 2023.
At approximately 3:25 p.m., police were dispatched to S. Kenmore Street and 23rd Street S. for multiple reports of shots fired. Responding officers canvassed the area and located evidence confirming several shots had been fired. The preliminary investigation indicates approximately six male suspects were walking in the area when they approached a vehicle exiting the parking lot. The vehicle stopped briefly during which at least one suspect discharged a firearm at the vehicle before it fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The suspects ran from the area immediately following the incident and were not located.
The suspect who allegedly discharged the firearm is described as a Black male wearing a black puffy jacket and gray pants. The vehicle involved in the incident is described as a silver Nissan sedan.
No injuries related to the incident were reported and minor damage to a nearby building was located.
This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information or home surveillance that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD is investigating a shots fired incident in the area of the 2200 block of Shirlington Road. No injuries or property damage reported at this time. Expect continued police presence in the area. pic.twitter.com/h0VfMVXMGA
SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT— 23rd St South and South Kenmore St in Arlington. Nobody found shot yet, but police received multiple calls from those who heard the gunfire. @ARLnowDOTcompic.twitter.com/Fx6TOid4q3
Rain may occur after 1pm with patchy fog clearing by 11am, followed by a cloudy day and a high around 60. Winds will be calm in the morning. On Saturday night, expect rain mainly after 1am, with patchy fog returning after 9pm and low temperatures near 53. Winds will shift to the east around 5 mph after midnight. There is a 30% chance of precipitation during the day, increasing to 60% at night with possible amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
Bar Ivy on Dec. 1, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Bar Ivy on Dec. 1, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Bar Ivy on Dec. 1, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Bar Ivy in Clarendon (courtesy photo)
Bar Ivy in Clarendon (courtesy photo)
Bar Ivy in Clarendon (courtesy photo)
Bar Ivy started offering specialty coffee drinks, including lattes (courtesy photo)
(Updated at 3 p.m.) There’s no official word on its website, but it looks like Bar Ivy in Clarendon may have closed permanently.
The “West Coast-inspired” restaurant at 3033 Wilson Blvd, noted for its expansive and verdant outdoor patio, opened in the summer of 2022. Earlier this fall it introduced a breakfast and coffee menu, in addition to existing lunch and dinner service.
Bar Ivy was the first Virginia venture of Blagden Hospitality Group, which is behind Tiger Fork, Hi-Lawn and Calico in D.C. A promised second Bar Ivy location in Bethesda was last reported in May to be opening in early 2024.
A PR rep for Bar Ivy did not respond to a request for confirmation, sent earlier this week, that the restaurant was closing. But the evidence is mounting.
“A friend was to have their holiday party at BarIvy, but were informed… the restaurant is permanently closed,” one tipster told ARLnow. Another tipster pointed out that Bar Ivy’s Facebook page says it is “permanently closed,” in an update made on Tuesday.
No one answered the phone at the restaurant today, during what should be business hours. And Bar Ivy’s online reservation page lists no available future dates.
A sign outside, however, says it is “closed this week for private events.”
Blagden Hospitality closed gastropub Fainting Goat, on U Street NW in the District, this past May, Washingtonian reported.
