Man sentenced after attempted carjacking near Justice Sotomayor’s residence
A D.C. man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release after attempting to carjack a vehicle at gunpoint, unaware that the person inside was a deputy U.S. Marshal on protective detail near the residence of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
The incident occurred in the early hours of July 5, 2024, when the suspect, identified as Kentrell Flowers, approached the Marshal and pointed a handgun at him in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicle. In response, the Marshal drew his service weapon and fired four shots, one of which struck Flowers in the mouth. A .40 caliber Smith & Wesson with 8 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene of the crime, which targeted Justice Sotomayor’s security detail. Fortunately, Justice Sotomayor was not involved in the incident.
After being shot, Flowers fell to the ground, while two unknown accomplices fled the scene—one in a silver minivan and the other on foot. The incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of maintaining vigilance in high-profile areas like the residence of a Supreme Court Justice.
Security for Supreme Court Justices has been a top priority following the 2022 assassination attempt against Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In a similar incident, a California man flew to D.C. with the intention of targeting Kavanaugh but ultimately called authorities to report his suicidal and homicidal thoughts.
Carjackings have been a persistent issue in Washington, D.C., prompting the establishment of the Carjacking Taskforce in 2021 and subsequent collaboration with the Prince George’s County Police Department in 2022. While carjacking rates have decreased slightly in recent years, the majority of incidents still involve firearms.
MPD emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of armed carjackers, advising individuals to surrender their vehicles without resistance. As the city continues to address this ongoing issue, law enforcement remains vigilant in protecting both residents and high-profile figures like Supreme Court Justices.
In conclusion, the incident involving Kentrell Flowers serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by armed carjackers and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety. The swift actions taken by the Deputy U.S. Marshal highlight the bravery and dedication of those tasked with protecting our communities.
