For far too long, America’s cities have been playgrounds for juvenile criminals who know the system will let them off with a slap on the wrist. But in Washington, D.C., that era appears to be ending. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro made it crystal clear this week that the “soft on crime” days are over after announcing that 17-year-old Marcellus Dyson Jr. will be tried as an adult following his alleged armed attack on an off-duty firefighter.
The incident took place late Saturday, September 20, when Dyson allegedly attempted to rob firefighter Gary Dziekan and then shot him in cold blood. Prosecutors say Dyson will now face a slate of serious charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
Speaking at a press conference Monday, Pirro didn’t mince words. “Out of control juveniles who think nothing of illegally possessing a weapon and holding up individuals are now going to find that they will be made accountable,” she declared. For years, liberal prosecutors across the country have coddled violent teens, treating them as victims instead of holding them responsible. Pirro signaled that era of permissiveness is finished — at least in D.C.
“These teenage thugs have long terrorized America’s cities with little to no repercussions,” Pirro continued. “Now they are going to learn there will be consequences. There will be no more coddling of young criminals.”
It’s a message millions of Americans have been desperate to hear. While Democrats bend over backwards to protect criminals, the victims are everyday citizens — firefighters, police officers, parents, and workers who simply want safe neighborhoods. Pirro reminded the public that her office’s mission is not to excuse criminal behavior but to protect the law-abiding. “This is why we fight. This is why we prosecute, and this is why the President is making safety a priority in the District.”
Pirro also credited President Trump for backing law enforcement with the resources needed to take crime seriously again. In a post on X, she wrote: “Thank you, @POTUS, for giving DC the resources to continue to fight crime. Here, a 17-year-old is charged as an adult. One by one, we are taking guns and criminals off the streets.” The contrast between Trump’s leadership and the soft-on-crime chaos presided over by the Biden years couldn’t be starker.
As for firefighter Dziekan, the head of the D.C. Firefighter’s Union, Dave Hoagland, confirmed the off-duty hero is recovering at home. Though doctors had to leave the bullet inside him to prevent further damage, Hoagland said, “Everybody’s very happy that he’s safe and he’s well. I think we’re all breathing a sigh of relief that this wasn’t worse.”
But make no mistake: it could have been worse. And it will be worse if America continues down the path of leftist leniency. D.C.’s new approach sends a long-overdue message: violent teens with guns are not misunderstood children. They are dangerous criminals. And finally, justice is catching up to them.
