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.
Expect sunny skies with a high close to 58 degrees and a northwest wind at 10-13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 35 degrees. A north wind of around 6 mph will turn calm after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Courage is grace under pressure. “ – Ernest Hemingway
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Police on scene of the Key Bridge Marriott site after shooting (photo courtesy Edward M.)
A 53-year-old Maryland man has been charged after a shooting on the former Key Bridge Marriott site.
Police say the man was working as a security guard Sunday afternoon when he confronted a group of teen trespassers at the fenced-in property, brandished a firearm, and fired a shot that struck one of the teens.
The teen fled the scene and called police. Officers located him at the Rosslyn McDonald’s restaurant with a reported gunshot wound to the ankle.
More on the arrest, below, from an Arlington County police press release.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is announcing an arrest in a shooting that occurred in the 1400 block of Langston Boulevard at the former Key Bridge Marriott property on November 12, 2023. Ahmed Namnoom, 53, of Laurel, Md. is charged with Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
At approximately 4:24 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1800 block of N. Lynn Street and located a juvenile male in his teens suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began rendering aid. Medics transported the victim to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect was operating as a security guard in the 1400 block of Langston Boulevard when a group of juvenile teens allegedly entered the fenced property and were walking towards the vacant structure. The suspect drove towards the group, exited the vehicle and confronted them while he brandished his firearm. The suspect then discharged his firearm, striking the victim and resulting in his injury. The victim ran from the scene to the 1800 block of N. Lynn Street where he called police.
This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Santa Claus is returning to Arlington later this week.
The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is kicking off its photos with Santa this coming Friday, according to the mall’s website. Reservations are available starting at 11 a.m.
As in previous years, the Pentagon City mall is also hosting a Caring Santa event, for children with special needs, as well as a Pet Night. Those are taking place the morning and evening, respectively, of Sunday, Dec. 3.
Santa’s arrival in Arlington one week before Thanksgiving may be early, but it’s got nothing on Tysons. Our Fairfax County neighbors had Ol’ Saint Nick walk the red carpet at Tysons Corner Center this past Thursday morning, Nov. 9.
Arlington’s other major mall, meanwhile, is starting Santa photos on Friday, Dec. 1. Reservations for photos with the jolly one at Ballston Quarter mall also start at 11 a.m. that day.
(Updated at 1 p.m.) Someone phoned in a bomb threat at Swanson Middle School this morning.
The caller claimed that bombs were planted in the middle school, in the Westover area. The school was quickly placed in lockdown, an Arlington Public Schools spokesman confirmed to ARLnow.
Police and fire department personnel — including bomb-sniffing dogs — were dispatched to the school around 9:50 a.m.
The following was sent to Swanson families just before 10:30 a.m.
Swanson Middle School remains in lockdown* due to a bomb threat made over the phone. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) and Arlington County Fire Department are on the scene to determine the credibility of the threat. All students and staff are safe at this time. The safety and security of students and staff is our top priority.
At this time, we ask that parents stay where they are and remain available to receive updates and instructions as needed. Please do not come to the school. Additional details will be communicated as soon as they are known.
As of 11:15 a.m. Arlington County police said no explosives were found during a search of the school. Students were dismissed from school shortly thereafter.
“ACPD and ACFD have given the school an ‘all clear’ following a search of the school property,” families were told in an email. “The investigation into the circumstances of the telephone threat is ongoing.”
“Because of the threat, students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m.,” the message continued. “The safety and security of your child is our top priority.”
UPDATE: A search of the property has concluded and no evidence of a crime was located at the school. The investigation into the circumstances of the telephone threat is ongoing.
Dueling leaf colors in Clarendon (Flickr pool photo by Jeff Vincent)
APS Payroll Problems Probed — “Outside consultants have delivered a scathing critique of the Arlington school system’s payroll processing, pointing to burnt out and undersupported staff, a failure at times to follow established policies and procedures, and antiquated technology. If school-system leaders can’t or don’t want to sufficiently fix the internal issues, the consultants suggest outsourcing at least part of the operation.” [Gazette Leader]
Another Wreck at Dicey Intersection — “Another day, another car accident! Same intersection – N Park & N George Mason. Install the light!” [Twitter]
Kennedy Burial Anniversary — “November 25, 2023 is the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The President’s tragic death had a profound impact on the nation, but his televised funeral at Arlington also forever changed the nature of ANC. As a result, demand for burial at ANC grew significantly and led to many changes at the cemetery to include expansion, the creation of above ground inurnment spaces, and restrictions on eligibility.” [ARLnow]
Elementary School Getting Mural — “I’m happy to share my opportunity to work on another out of state school residency @JamestownAPS in Arlington,Virginia. This year’s theme will focus on the Kindness.” [Twitter]
About Met Park Plants — “Metropolitan Park offers serene walking paths, unique public art installations, a dog park, a children’s play area, and an active central green, all nestled inside a horticultural masterpiece partially inspired by the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. The park is home to more than 50,000 understory plants, 300 trees, and 160 native and native-adaptive species.” [Amazon]
It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with temperatures reaching a high of around 57 degrees, accompanied by a calm wind picking up from the south at 5 to 7 mph during the morning. Monday night remains clear, with lows around 41 degrees. The southwest wind of 7 to 9 mph will shift to a northwest direction after midnight. [Weather.gov]
Police on scene of the Key Bridge Marriott site after shooting (photo courtesy Edward M.)
Police on scene of the Key Bridge Marriott site after shooting (photo courtesy Edward M.)
A teen was reportedly shot in the ankle this afternoon at the site of the former Key Bridge Marriott.
Initial reports suggest the teen was shot while a group of some ten people was trespassing on the fenced-off site. It is unclear whether he was shot by another trespasser or someone else.
Police and medics were called shortly before 4:30 p.m., after the teen made his way to the nearby McDonald’s in Rosslyn.
“He was transported to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries,” said Arlington County police. “The investigation is ongoing.”
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD responded to the 1800 block of N. Lynn Street for the report of a juvenile in his teens with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/dzPy2BZ1ti
SHOOTING— victim found at the Rosslyn McDonald's, 1800 North Lynn St in Arlington. He accosted a trespasser at the construction site at the old Marriott. The suspect tried to run him over but ended up shooting him in the ankle. H/T @matthewyoung31 cc: @ARLnowDOTcompic.twitter.com/ifqVczC6j2
Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of 64°F and a low of 45°F, accompanied by a 10% chance of precipitation later in the evening. Winds picking up from the west at 10-15 mph and humidity levels around 62% will contribute to the cool but comfortable conditions throughout the day. Be sure to grab a light jacket before heading out, as temperatures are expected to drop as the sun sets. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.” – Democritus
🌅 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. 👋
ARLnow has a new neighbor in the ol’ datacenter today.
The MoCoShow — the homegrown (and very popular) local news site for Montgomery County, Maryland — has partnered with Local News Now, the company that publishes ARLnow, ALXnow and FFXnow.
Much like LNN’s partnerships with PoPville and Potomac Local, our company will be working with The MoCoShow to help sell advertising to local organizations, to provide a high level of service to advertising clients, and to host and maintain their website.
It remains a challenging time for local news, even at large companies with deep financial backing like the Washington Post. But LNN and its partners are finding success through authentically local, audience-focused coverage; through forward-thinking and client-focused advertising solutions; and by centralizing technical and back office functions.
With the addition of The MoCoShow to the roster of LNN owned-and-operated and partner sites in the D.C. area, the company now collectively reaches more than 3 million monthly unique website visitors while serving over 80 million pageviews annually.
“We are so excited about our partnership with LNN and look forward to being able to expand the ways we can continue to work with local businesses,” said The MoCoShow founder Alex Tsironis.
“Local news is alive and well in the D.C. area and the added scale and reach this partnership provides will help bolster the editorial mission of all of our sites and partners,” said LNN founder Scott Brodbeck. “We’re especially pumped about working with The MoCoShow since its rapid organic growth reminds of us of the first years of ARLnow — except they now have an even bigger audience. And that’s not to mention their incredible social media engagement.”
“The MoCoShow is an authentic local voice for Montgomery County and an example of how local news consumers are prioritizing useful, relevant and fact-based information over staid news reporting styles and sensibilities,” Brodbeck continued. “We can’t wait to see how they find more ways to serve MoCo residents as we help grow their revenue and keep non-editorial costs down.”
This is LNN’s first presence in Maryland since the sale of Bethesda Now to Bethesda Magazine in 2014.
Expanded advertising opportunities on The MoCoShow are now available. In the coming months, meanwhile, LNN will embark on a major web development project to modernize the look, feel and function of The MoCoShow, ARLnow and the rest of our local sites.
A runner and fallen leaves long the Bluemont Trail (Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler)
Veterans Day Closures — Arlington schools, libraries and most local government facilities are closed today due to the observance of Veterans Day. Additionally, parking meters will not be enforced. [Arlington County]
Event at Arlington National Cemetery — “Join ANC for the National #VeteransDay Observance this Sat., Nov. 11 at 11… You must use the tram to go to the Memorial Amphitheater, walking to the event will not be permitted.” [Twitter]
Gun Brandishing Incident — “4600 block of King Street. At approximately 7:17 a.m. on November 8, police were dispatched to the report of a brandishing. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking in the area when the female suspect approached and began yelling and filming her before allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a firearm. The suspect subsequently left the scene in a vehicle. During the course of the investigation, officers identified the suspect, located her inside her vehicle and took her into custody.” [ACPD]
Comcast Gets Another Extension — “Arlington County Board members on Nov. 11 are expected to extend, again, the franchise agreement that allows Comcast to provide cable-television service in the county… The extension will allow both sides to continue working on an agreement through late 2024. In a letter to the county government, Comcast officials agreed to the extension.” [Gazette Leader]
Another Snowy Winter Prediction — “We’re anticipating a harsher winter ahead, and one that is much more satisfying for those who love the snow. Our outlook calls for above-normal snowfall for the first time since the winter of 2018-2019, when Reagan National Airport, Washington’s official observing location, received 16.9 inches.” [Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Friday — Expect rain mainly from 10am to 4pm, accompanied by cloudy skies and a high near 52. Northwest winds will shift west, blowing at 6 to 10 mph, with a 70% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 38 and a light west wind. Veterans Day will be mostly sunny, featuring a high around 55 and northwest winds at 6 to 8 mph. [Weather.gov]
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Pro-Palestinian anti-war protest outside the Lockheed Martin office in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Protests have been targeting the Arlington offices of military contractors amid the Israel-Hamas war.
At least the second protest in as many days was being held outside of the Lockheed Martin building at 2121 Crystal Drive today. The midday protest featured about ten demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags, holding signs and conducting a “die-in” on the public sidewalk.
They also placed child-sized coffins and baby dolls splashed with red paint on the ground around them. A contingent of Arlington County police officers stood watch over the protest and at one point directed the demonstrators off of private property.
Organizer Hazami Barmada, who was holding a sign with the words “Your Weapons Are Killing Babies,” said the group has been conducting protests around Arlington and D.C. for the past 15 days.
“We do die-ins and silent protests like this to help hopefully inspire the hearts and minds of more people to understand the plight of what’s happening to the… Palestinian population,” she said. “Today, we are in front of Lockheed Martin. We’ve actually been in front of all the weapons manufacturers in the D.C. area. And we’re going to continue to do that to put pressure on corporations that are benefiting financially from the genocide and ethnic cleansing that’s happening towards the Palestinian people right now.”
“The seventh of October, we saw a massive spike in [Lockheed Martin’s] stock and also the revenue of the support for these companies that are benefiting,” Barmada continued, referencing the day that Hamas militants crossed into Israel from Gaza and killed over 1,000 Israeli civilians. “So we’re putting our bodies out on the line right now. To say enough benefiting financially off of the murder of innocent civilians.”
Since Oct. 7, Israeli bombardments and a currently underway ground invasion have reportedly killed more than 10,000 Palestinians. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests have broken out worldwide since the start of the war, and international pressure has ramped up for a release of the several hundred Israeli hostages being held by Hamas and for Israel to minimize civilian deaths.
“Human rights for the Palestinians does not negate human rights for someone else,” Barmada said. “We do this in from the White House, the State Department, all buildings around D.C., to remind people of the cost of inaction and the human realities behind it.”
Barmada said the group protested at the U.S. Capitol yesterday and plans to protest in front of Raytheon in Rosslyn later today.
The Rosslyn protest will be at least the second this week at the now Arlington-based company’s headquarters. Yesterday six activists were charged with trespassing by Arlington police during a protest “to confront the war profiteer on its role in producing weapons that are causing extreme suffering and death to innocent children, women, and men around the world,” according to the anti-war group Code Pink.
ACPD spokeswoman Alli Shorb confirmed the incident. A group of six people from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin and New York — ranging in age from 28 to 77 — were arrested, charged and released, she said.
More, below, from ACPD.
TRESPASS, 2023-11080112, 1100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 12:12 p.m. on November 8, police were dispatched to the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, it was determined a group of individuals were protesting on private property. The property manager reportedly spoke with the group and asked them to leave which they refused. Responding officers then spoke with each member of the group regarding the request from the property manager and advised they would be subject to arrest if they remained on the property. The below listed individuals remained on the property following the announcement and were arrested and charged with trespassing and released on personal recognizance.
