Man sentenced for attempted carjacking near justice sotomayor's home
- Kentrell Flowers pointed a loaded gun at a U.S. Marshal during an attempted carjacking.
- The Deputy Marshal shot Flowers, who was later hospitalized for his injuries.
- Flowers received a 10-year prison sentence, highlighting the ongoing threat of armed carjackings in the area.
In Washington D.C., a 19-year-old man named Kentrell Flowers was sentenced to 10 years in prison for an attempted carjacking that occurred on July 5, 2024. Flowers approached and pointed a loaded firearm at a deputy U.S. Marshal who was part of the security detail for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The incident happened around 1 a.m. when the deputies were in an unmarked government vehicle. Sensing immediate danger, the Marshal drew his weapon and fired at Flowers, hitting him in the mouth. After the shooting, Flowers fell to the ground, while two accomplices, one in a silver minivan and another on foot, fled the scene. Flowers was subsequently hospitalized for about a week due to injuries sustained from the gunfire. The court proceedings spotlighted the chilling nature of Flowers' actions, which were met with significant condemnation from the legal authorities involved in the case. Despite having no prior criminal record, Flowers faced a ten-year sentence recommended by the prosecution. The defense argued for a lesser sentence of seven years, citing his lack of a criminal history and emphasizing the gravity of his mistake. Ultimately, the judge not only sentenced Flowers to prison but also mandated five years of supervised release following his incarceration. The incident raised important concerns regarding the safety of public officials and the ongoing issue of armed carjackings that has plagued Washington, D.C. in recent years. Law enforcement agencies have noted a resurgence in carjackings, with a concerted effort to combat such crimes, particularly in the wake of prior high-profile security threats against judicial figures. Flowers' case reflects the heightened vigilance surrounding Supreme Court justices and the expanded security measures put into place after previous assassination attempts. This incident serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of safety in urban environments and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing violent crime.