UPDATE: A shocking incident in Washington, D.C. has emerged, as former DOGE staffer Edward “Big Balls” Coristine has been identified as the young man viciously assaulted in a carjacking attempt early Sunday morning. This incident, reportedly occurring around 3 a.m., has drawn significant attention after President Donald Trump posted a bloodied photo of Coristine on his Truth Social account, labeling him an “incredible young man” who was “beaten mercilessly by local thugs.”
According to a police report obtained by Politico, the attack unfolded when Coristine, just 19 years old, was approached by at least two teenagers who made comments about stealing his vehicle. Coristine was ushering a female companion into the car when he was brutally attacked. During the altercation, a black iPhone 16 was also stolen.
Reports indicate that officers patrolling the area observed a group of approximately 10 juveniles surrounding Coristine’s vehicle before the assault. The Metropolitan Police arrested a 15-year-old male and female from Hyattsville, MD, charging them with unarmed carjacking, as confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday.
In a striking response, President Trump emphasized the escalating crime rates in Washington, D.C., claiming that “crime is totally out of control.” He threatened to take “federal control of the city” and suggested that juvenile offenders should be charged as adults, stating, “They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them.”
On Tuesday, while addressing the media, Trump further detailed the victim’s background, stating, “Somebody from DOGE was very badly hurt… a young man who was beat up by a bunch of thugs in D.C.” This revelation has intensified discussions around youth crime in the capital.
Trump’s comments were echoed by his Vice President, JD Vance, who shared Trump’s message on X. The horrifying image of Coristine was captured by a fellow DOGE employee, Marko Elez, who referred to Coristine by his nickname in a social media post, calling him a hero.
In a concerning twist, Elon Musk, Coristine’s former boss, shared a different version of events on X, claiming that the victim was “severely beaten to the point of concussion” while trying to help a woman in distress. Musk has also called for the federalization of D.C. in light of this violence.
Coristine, who quit DOGE in June, had taken on roles within the Department of Homeland Security and was involved in Trump’s “gold card” visa project, aimed at selling U.S. citizenships for $5 million each. As the situation continues to develop, the Daily Beast has reached out to the Social Security Administration, the White House, and Coristine for further comments.
Metropolitan Police spokesperson Tom Lynch noted that while he had not seen the photo, he acknowledged its authenticity as it was posted by the President of the United States.
This incident underscores the growing concerns over crime in urban areas, resonating deeply with local residents and leaders alike. Former Fox News host and current Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, stated in a post on X that she had met with Trump to discuss measures aimed at reducing crime, including removing guns and drugs from the streets.
As the ramifications of this brutal assault unfold, the focus shifts to what actions will be taken to address the surge in violence among youth in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
