Wednesday afternoon, the DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) voted 6-0 to lift the suspension of Café 8’s liquor license. The suspension was lifted immediately by ABCA’s acceptance of an “Offer In Compromise” negotiated by the DC Office of Attorney General (OAG) and submitted to the Board this morning. The conditions amounted to an enhanced security plan and a $4000 fine for violations of DC Code.
The terms of the compromise included increasing the number of security personnel from 4 to 6 Thursday – Sunday after 5:00pm until closing. Additional security requirements include training for all staff on terms of the security plan, a requirement that all patrons show a valid ID and submit to a search for weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol by using metal detector hand held wands and pat downs.
Under questioning by the Donovan Anderson, Board Chair, Assistant Attorney General Sophia Mietus (OAG) said that it is the position of the government that the Board accept the Offer in Compromise. The Board then voted unanimously to accept it. Nearby neighbors were unlikely to be assuaged by the agreement, since it offered nothing to address the behavior of patrons of late night bars on Barracks Row who disturb nearby neighborhoods with street parties. ANC6B will be tasked with finding ways to address that issue. Another article on that subjects will be forthcoming on CHC.
Cafe 8 Owner Elif Sam (at left facing camera) appeared before the ANC6B Public Safety committee, chaired by Commissioner Brian Gorman, center.
Image from DC US Attorney’s Office.
Photos and Dueling Accounts Raise Questions About Café 8 Shooting
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 28, 2026
Monday night, Café 8 owner Elif Sam appeared before the ANC6B Public Safety committee chaired by Commissioner Brian Gorman. She recounted the shooting incident which occurred outside Café 8 around 11pm on Sunday, October 18.
Last Wednesday, October 21, the US Attorney General’s Office of the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a press release with an account of the incident with photos gleaned from Café 8 video.
Both accounts raise questions about exactly what happened that night.
Sam’s description portrayed Cafe 8 as doing everything it can to prevent violence and community disturbance, adding, “Whatever we can do to help, we will do it.”
In her account of the October 18 shooting, presumably based on the extensive video cameras located outside the business, Sam stated there was a disturbance outside of Café 8 involving a patron who had been inside, and who had a gun which was not detected when he entered Café 8. She said it was unfortunate that the National Guard were in a van parked outside rather than in a more visible posture on the street since their presence discourages violence. When they saw the fight outside Cafe 8, members of the Guard got out of the van and “both sides started shooting” … and “bullets were flying everywhere” … “unfortunately, a National Guard member was shot.” Sam wasn’t sure by whom. Sam stated that the patron who had the gun was shot and the National Guard pushed the paramedics away when they came to attend to the shooting victim. She also said that the National Guard who was shot didn’t realize it at first because he kept walking. She said there was another incident that started inside Café 8 which had nothing to do with the disturbance that occurred outside. Sam concluded that “Barracks Row needs more police especially police on bikes and scooters like we used to have.” She said she bought a stand up metal detector and hand wand for Café 8 and was making (unspecified) operational changes.
Sam’s account of the shooting, which was frankly difficult to follow and no doubt motivated by her own business interests, nevertheless raised questions about when the exchange of gunfire began, whether the National Guard responded with disproportionate use of lethal force, and whether the National Guard applied lethal force in a cavalier fashion, endangering the lives of innocent bystanders and failing to allow paramedics access to the scene.
Unfortunately, the press release issued last Wednesday by the US Attorney General’s Office, which included nine photos gleaned from Café 8 video tape, does not answer these questions.
According to the press release, “at about 11:10 p.m., on Oct. 18, 2026, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s First District responded to a report of a shooting in the 400 block of 8th Street SE.”
But the time-stamped photos released from by the DOJ show patrons of Café 8 milling about on the sidewalk at 11:12 pm. The timing is crucial, because events unfold very quickly.
According to the DOJ description of the event, the on-scene investigation determined that members of the National Guard attempted to stop a fight and an individual involved in the fight brandished a pistol and began shooting.
It says that the National Guard members ordered the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect attempted to flee while he simultaneously discharged his pistol towards the National Guard members. Three National Guard members returned fire, striking the suspect.
But, like Sam’s account, the DOJ’s narrative raises its own questions. One photo captioned “Individuals scatter at the sound of a gunshot,” does not actually show that. One person who had participated in the fight outside Café 8 is fleeing the scene, but others are walking or standing. More confusing, the next photo (timestamped as about one second later) shows one gentleman in a gray parka with black stripes who had previously been shown walking or facing south now turned and walks north, toward what the DOJ described as the site of shots fired, an about-face that would seem doubtful in the face of active gunfire.
Finally, the image stills then show alleged shooter Jerrell Jackson brandishing a gun pointed toward the staircase of the smoke shop next to Café 8, where another of the participants in the initial fight had fled. But it does not establish him actually firing. Based on what has been made available to the public, it is not possible to conclude that Jackson was the first to fire a shot.
Extensive video evidence from which these images were culled could very well answer a number of these questions. Obtaining this evidence and establishing an unbiased account of the shooting would seem paramount. Not only would this help ANC6B and residents as they grapple with how best to prevent other shootings, it would clarify whether the National Guard operate as a help or a hindrance in high-stakes encounters. For example, regardless of who fired the first shot, the question of bystanders and whether, as Sam alleged, the National Guard waved off paramedics need to be answered.
District 7 Bar & Grill, an Argentinian-American BBQ fusion coming to 1500 East Capitol. The restaurant will be open for: Breakfast-Lunch-Brunch-Dinner. One of the owners told CHC they hope to open on November 7. We’ll see. Want to help them open? Here’s their kickstarter link: https://bit.ly/4z2rqJU
Friday night, 1st District MPD and Friends of Lincoln Park hosted Movie Night, featuring a seasonally timely moving, Monsters. Inc. There was a pretty good turnout. Here’s a photo from the rear of the crowd.
And here’s the reverse shot.
There’s some new service oriented retail coming to 532 Barracks Row.
Worth checking out: Triple Candies latest installation depicts a state of precariousness.
The left side of the installation – best viewed through the glass doorway of the space containing it –is a political trompe-l’œil (pronounced trump loy) – presenting an illusion of normalcy but referencing the instability depicted in the rest of the installation.
Triple Candies’ monthly installations are displayed in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Triple Candies is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett.
The Week Ahead…
Highlight: Café 8 is on the agenda of ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday. A Café 8 representative is scheduled to attend.
Monday, October 26
ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30pm.
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
Friday, October 30
Hill Center
VERONNEAU in Concert: From Paris to Rio & Beyond
In-person
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $23.00
From Paris to Rio & Beyond blends soulful French, American & Brazilian repertoire and a touch of bluesy originals. In songs and stories, vocalist Lynn Veronneau & guitarist Ken Avis travel in time through tempos rich and mellow, swing and samba. Often described as “a mini Pink Martini” VERONNEAU’s multilingual show is captivating, engaging and exquisitely performed. With special guests Karine Chapdelaine & Dave Kline.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s annual House Expo aims to connect homeowners with service providers and contractors who can help. This year’s Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9am to 3pm, in the North Hall of historic Eastern Market. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, October 31
National Museum of the American Indian
10am – 5pm
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances by Grupo los Tecuanes, making paper marigolds to be placed on a Catrina statue, and making papel picado (perforated paper decorations) with David Amorozo. Learn how pan de muerto (bread of the dead) is made with Neil Vargas, Jr. Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality by interacting with live Catrinas roaming the festival . Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery. In collaboration with special guest and Capitol Hill resident, Rosa Moreno, and Death Doula-in-Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, we will transform the chapel in the center of our grounds into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”
Día de los Muertos is a tradition that honors loved ones who have passed, celebrating the ongoing bond between the living and the dead. Millions in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond celebrate by creating colorful ofrendas (altars) with photos, flowers, food, and mementos to welcome spirits back to the earthly world. Many also gather in cemeteries or at festivals to share music, meals, and remembrance in a joyful celebration of life.
Now in its second year, Congressional Cemetery’s Día de los Muertos celebration invites the public to join us on Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the historic chapel to collectively build a large-scale ofrenda honoring our departed loved ones.
Friday, the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) posted notices suspending Café 8’s restaurant liquor license indefinitely. That, however, does not mean forever.
According to a source with knowledge of ABCA proceedings, the next step in the days ahead is an adjudication proceeding which involves ABCA, the Office of the Attorney General and the Licensee. The only factors under consideration are reports from the ABCA Investigator, the Office of Attorney General and MPD, as well as the operating procedures in Café 8’s existing Settlement Agreement. It is not a hearing where the ANC or the community is heard. The case could be reconciled here with an agreement among all parties on reopening under additional limitations and operating conditions – or continued in the case of a determination made that further action should be taken.
Here’s a photo of one of Café 8’s four rooms tables sans hookah pipes. That, plus the removal of the blackout curtains which shielded the restaurant from street view, gives the place a somewhat different vibe.
Tomorrow – Maury Elementary Fall Fest – October 24
Fall fest is an annual tradition at Maury with a carnival like atmosphere – all put on by the Maury 5th grade class to support their end of the year activity – a tradition every 5th grader looks forward to.
Don’t delay and get your tickets today! Early bird ticket pricing ends soon.
📅 When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
What’s in store?
🍕Delicious Food
🎨 Crafts & Face Painting
🎲 Games & Raffles – enter to win a chance to silly string Principal Hassler or a special face painting from Mr. Derrick and Ms. Conant!
🎂 Cake Walk
👻 Haunted House
Admission Details:
Free Entry
Tickets required for activities and food:
🎟 All-inclusive wristband: $25 now — $30 at the door (save $5 with advance purchase!
Update: Café 8 Case Referred to Office of Attorney General
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 22, 2026
The Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) has informed ANC6B that the Café 8 matter has been referred to the Office of Attorney General (OAG):
“Dear Commissioners:
This matter is with the Office of the Attorney General at this time. Your comments and recommendations have been shared with that office for review.”
The email, received on Wednesday, was in response to a (previously reported) letter from the ANC to ABCA last Tuesday urging that Café 8 not be allowed to reopen without agreeing to a list of conditions to address ongoing security, off-premises violence and neighborhood disorder. That letter also asked when the case would be taken up by the ABCA Board and stated that ANC6B would like to offer testimony in any proceeding.
ABCA’s response left no indication what would happen on Friday at 7pm when the MPD Order imposing a 96 hour closure of Café 8 expires. ABCA gave no details on the reasons for the referral. An effort by CHC to reach ABCA media inquiries was unsuccessful.
One possibility is the closure will be extended. ABCA might also be laying the ground work for a “show cause” hearing, a formal legal proceeding in which the OAG represents the District. The OAG could also be negotiating with Café 8 regarding conditions for reopening the restaurant without going to a formal hearing. In that case – as commonly happens – after getting such an agreement with the owner, OAG would take it to ABCA for approval and incorporation into a Settlement Agreement attached to the liquor license.
In other developments, there have been press reports concerning the two arrests made in the wake of the Barracks Row shooting on Saturday night.
The first is the arrest of the alleged shooter, Jerrell Jackson. Several news outlets have reported Jackson has a long criminal record and was under supervised release after serving a ten year prison sentence for shooting a Special Police officer.
The second is the arrest of Café 8 promoter, Charles Barnes, who is suspected of throwing the first punch in an altercation which reportedly preceded the encounter during which gunshots were fired. As reported by other news organizations, Barnes fled the scene and was the subject of a police warrant prior to him turning himself in to MPD Tuesday night.
3pm – 6pm at 321 D Street, SE, corner of 3rd and D Streets, SE
Friday, October 23
1st District MPD hosts Movie in the Park
Monsters, Inc. at Lincoln Park on Friday, October 23, 2026, starting at 7:00pm.
Sunday, October 25
Congressional Cemetery
Fulcrum’s A Halloween Happening – 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Join Fulcrum Residential for one of our favorite traditions of the year — A Halloween Happening at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE.
Bring the whole family (and your best costumes!) for an afternoon packed with Halloween fun. We’ll have hayrides through the cemetery, games, a costume contest, food and drinks, and plenty of treats — plus a DJ from Scorpio Entertainment keeping the party going all afternoon.
Come dressed up, bring your friends and neighbors, and spend the afternoon celebrating Halloween with the Fulcrum community.
In the days or weeks ahead, it seems likely that the Alcohol Beverage Control Board will allow Café 8 to reopen with a new set of conditions attached to their liquor license.
MPD ordered the summary 96 hour closure of Café 8 on Barracks Row at 7:00pm Monday night in accordance with the finding by the Chief of Police that continued operation would present an imminent danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Under DC Code, Café 8 can appeal the closure and request a hearing before the Board. The Board could receive and act on the request at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 21 and then set a time and date for the appeal hearing. In the mean time, it is likely the Board will extend the 96 hour closure.
Wednesday’s 10:30am meeting will be virtual and a link to live coverage is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/v5eMj0wyvlU (Likewise, the administrate adjudication hearing will also be virtual at a time and date TBA)
After hearing the evidence in the future proceeding, the Board will decide Café 8’s fate. There are three options:
Lift the closure if Café 8 is found to have already addressed the reasons for closure.
Allow Café 8 to reopen with additional operating conditions.
Continue the closure and schedule a show cause hearing (is a formal legal administrative hearing) where Café 8 will have to show why they should be allowed to reopen. (This too could result in a conditional reopening – or in a suspension of the liquor license)
Tuesday night, ANC6B Chair Sam Pastore and the ABC6B’s ABC Committee chair Karen Hughes, called for an emergency meeting of the Commission at 6:30pm that evening. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on a letter to the ABC Board, ahead of their regular Wednesday meeting, to ensure that the ANC has a voice in the anticipated consideration of the review of the summary closing of Café 8.
The letter states that “ANC6B supports the emergency 96-hour closure imposed by the Metropolitan Police Department on Oct. 19 and requests that the Board use its investigatory and regulatory powers to work proactively with Café 8 to determine appropriate additional security measures necessary to protect public safety, peace, order, and quiet.”
The letter acknowledged the numerous complaints from neighbors about late night/early morning disruptions on nearby streets the letter and cited the need for the ABC Board to require stronger operational safeguards…but notes that “…ANC 6B is not requesting revocation of Café 8’s license. It urgently requests, however, that the Board consider the following conditions before Café 8 resumes regular late-night operations.”
(To that end, the letter suggest conditions which reflect conversations between ANC6B Commissioner Brian Gorman (who represents the district in which Café 8 lies) and the restaurant’s management.)
Full documented compliance with all existing security obligations contained in the ANC 6B settlement agreement.
The addition of visible cameras on Café 8’s exterior.
A written and enforced banned-patron policy covering individuals involved in violence, threats, firearms offenses, drug activity, fights, or repeated disorderly conduct associated with the establishment.
Clear signage advising patrons that off-premises violence and neighborhood disorder may result in exclusion from the establishment.
A strengthened operational and security plan demonstrating how Café 8 will prevent the recurrence of dangerous conditions associated with its late-night business activity.
A commitment to working with neighboring late-night restaurants and bars to reduce the chance of incidents on Barracks Row.
Quarterly reporting to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration as well as ANC 6B that documents security incidents and any mitigation measures undertaken.
The Commission further urged the Board to make clear that continued licensure depends on demonstrated compliance, effective security management, and real accountability for patrons whose conduct endangers residents, visitors, and public servants alike.
The letter passed 6 – 0. A copy will be available on the ANC6B website shortly.
This official notice of closure was posted at Café 8 this evening. Photo credit: Nicky Sundt
Despite not referring to an effective date and time, it is effective when the closure is handed to the management.
The licensee has 3 business days after the service of the notice to file a formal request for a hearing with ABCA. Once requested, ABCA is required to hold a hearing within 2 business days of receiving request.
Monday morning. CM Charles Allen posted on social media that because of repeated issues outside Barracks Row’s Café 8, including gun shots, he believes that an emergency closure should take place until the business changes how they operate. He said, “I’ve spoken with (MPD’s 1D Commander) Hall as well as head of ABCA.” An hour later, Allen hosted an online “Press Avail on the Café 8 shooting. “
In response to questions, Allen said the pattern of violence outside this establishment has been ongoing for a year and a half or two years and MPD has had to put a lot of resources on the corridor. He said that other businesses and residents are “sick and tired of it”… and he believes an emergency closure is warranted.
How this would work, Allen said, is when you’ve got a public safety hazard it requires a 96 hour shutdown closure and oftentimes ABCA will have a safety plan that has to be met for reopening. (ABCA could extend the 96 hour closure pending an safety plan agreement or dispostion.)
The ABCA board next meets on Wednesday; that would be first opportunity when the board could vote for a 96 hour closure.
