Amid crime wave, frustrated DC voters take aim at City Council members, stage second recall effort

District of Columbia residents upset over a crime wave in the city have started an effort to recall a second City Council member whom they hold responsible.

Residents filed paperwork Tuesday to recall Ward 1 Democratic Councilmember Brianne Nadeau.

In 2023, the nation's capital had its highest number of homicides since 1997, according to USA Today. 

Nadeau is facing backlash for her support for legislation titled "Secure DC, " which she argues will reduce crime. However, some residents are concerned with the legislation, which, in part, allows DNA evidence to be collected only after someone is convicted of a felony, WUSA9 reports. 

"Public safety remains my top priority," Nadeau said in a statement in response to the recall. "People’s fears and frustrations about crime are rational and understandable. That’s why I have been working together with public safety experts, community leaders, fellow council members and the Mayor on comprehensive solutions. I’ve introduced legislation to bolster police cadet recruitment and provide additional tools to [police] to help them close more homicide cases."

Last month, residents began an effort to recall Councilmember Charles Allen, a fellow Democrat, over similar concerns.

The "Recall Charles Allen" group alleges Allen supported legislation that allows those who commit violent crimes under the age of 25 to have their prison sentences shortened. 

Allen has responded by saying: "This recall effort is misleading and misinformed. ... I've worked to hold criminals accountable with strong laws and bring a whole of government approach to reducing crime long-term."