On Monday evening, US Congressman Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, experienced an unsettling incident when he was held at gunpoint and had his car stolen, authorities said.
The incident occurred as he was parking approximately a mile from the US Capitol, where he was approached by three armed individuals. Fortunately, Mr. Cuellar emerged unharmed, and his vehicle was subsequently recovered.
US Capitol Police released a statement indicating that detectives were actively working to locate the suspects responsible for the incident, which took place around 21:30 local time in the Navy Yard neighborhood in the city’s south-east.
In addition to the car, the 68-year-old congressman had his phone and iPad taken during the incident, as confirmed by Jacob Hochberg, Mr. Cuellar’s chief of staff.
The number of carjackings in Washington has been on the rise in recent years. Recent police data reveals 750 reported carjacking incidents in the city this year alone, and a significant 75% of these offenses involving firearms. In 2021, the local police department launched a taskforce to deal with the issue.
Congressman Cuellar, currently in his 10th term, represents Texas’ 28th congressional district in the US House of Representatives.
