tricknologist
01-04-2006, 12:24 AM
Ex-D.C. Mayor Barry Unharmed in Robbery (http://wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=663608)
By HEATHER GREENFIELD
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Former Mayor Marion Barry has recovered the wallet and credit cards two armed robbers took from him, but he told reporters Tuesday it will take longer to recover psychologically.
"It's a horrible experience to face a gun, seeing your life flash before you," Barry said. He added he is thankful to be alive and uninjured.
Barry, 69, said young people often beg for money by his Southeast Washington home, and he typically lets them earn it by carrying groceries. But on Monday night, about 15 minutes after doing that chore for him, the two teenage boys returned and he let them in again.
"They had a gun, pointed it in my face and pushed me in the kitchen," said Barry, who served four terms as mayor and currently represents Ward 8 on the D.C. Council.
After spending a career bringing recreation centers and youth jobs programs to the District of Columbia, he felt hurt and betrayed by the teens who knew who he was and called him "B" during the robbery. Police were still searching for them late Tuesday.
Cmdr. Joel Maupin of the D.C. Metropolitan Police, who is investigating the crime, said he can't believe someone would attack Barry.
"I was very surprised - especially that the individual knew who he was and robbed him anyway. It really shows the young people don't care who you are and are just looking to get what you have," Maupin said.
Barry appealed to the teens to turn themselves in, but said he didn't want to see them punished.
"I hold no animosities. I don't even want you prosecuted, really. I love you," he said.
Barry vowed not to move from his home in the council district he represents. But he said he will push for tougher gun control laws. Last session he offered a bill mandating a 10-year sentence for those caught with a gun. So far, a hearing has not been scheduled, but Barry hopes to see action on it this year.
"Violence is everywhere in our city and our nation," Barry said. "These guns have got to go."
Barry was shot in 1977 during the Hanafi Muslim takeover of D.C.'s city hall, but said this experience being near a gun was more frightening because he had time to see the weapon and think about it.
Police asked Barry not to say how much cash was taken during the armed robbery. They are asking people who may have seen the boys to call investigators. Maupin said a reward is possible.
By HEATHER GREENFIELD
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Former Mayor Marion Barry has recovered the wallet and credit cards two armed robbers took from him, but he told reporters Tuesday it will take longer to recover psychologically.
"It's a horrible experience to face a gun, seeing your life flash before you," Barry said. He added he is thankful to be alive and uninjured.
Barry, 69, said young people often beg for money by his Southeast Washington home, and he typically lets them earn it by carrying groceries. But on Monday night, about 15 minutes after doing that chore for him, the two teenage boys returned and he let them in again.
"They had a gun, pointed it in my face and pushed me in the kitchen," said Barry, who served four terms as mayor and currently represents Ward 8 on the D.C. Council.
After spending a career bringing recreation centers and youth jobs programs to the District of Columbia, he felt hurt and betrayed by the teens who knew who he was and called him "B" during the robbery. Police were still searching for them late Tuesday.
Cmdr. Joel Maupin of the D.C. Metropolitan Police, who is investigating the crime, said he can't believe someone would attack Barry.
"I was very surprised - especially that the individual knew who he was and robbed him anyway. It really shows the young people don't care who you are and are just looking to get what you have," Maupin said.
Barry appealed to the teens to turn themselves in, but said he didn't want to see them punished.
"I hold no animosities. I don't even want you prosecuted, really. I love you," he said.
Barry vowed not to move from his home in the council district he represents. But he said he will push for tougher gun control laws. Last session he offered a bill mandating a 10-year sentence for those caught with a gun. So far, a hearing has not been scheduled, but Barry hopes to see action on it this year.
"Violence is everywhere in our city and our nation," Barry said. "These guns have got to go."
Barry was shot in 1977 during the Hanafi Muslim takeover of D.C.'s city hall, but said this experience being near a gun was more frightening because he had time to see the weapon and think about it.
Police asked Barry not to say how much cash was taken during the armed robbery. They are asking people who may have seen the boys to call investigators. Maupin said a reward is possible.