A high-ranking government official from the FCC was arrested for violently attacking multiple women near Metro stations in Virginia, one attack occurring in front of a 4-year-old child who desperately tried to defend her mother by pouring juice on the assailant.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey Gary, 35, an assistant division chief at the FCC with a Georgetown law degree, was arrested and charged with assault, sexual battery, and attempted abduction of two women at different Metro stations.
- The suspect attacked a 30-year-old mother and her 4-year-old daughter at Potomac Yard station, then an hour later assaulted another woman near Braddock Road station, placing his hand over her mouth and wrestling her to the ground.
- Police tracked Gary using his Metro card registered to the FCC, demonstrating how he targeted women while traveling on the Yellow Line from his apartment near Huntington station.
- The FCC has initiated termination proceedings against Gary, who is currently being held without bond until his preliminary hearing in July.
- Local residents have expressed serious safety concerns about the Metro system, questioning the visibility and effectiveness of transit police despite promises of increased security.
Government Official’s Shocking Metro Attacks
Alexandria City Police have arrested Jeffrey Gary, a 35-year-old assistant division chief at the Federal Communications Commission, following two violent attacks on women near Metro stations in Northern Virginia. The incidents, occurring within an hour of each other on a Friday night, have shocked the community and raised serious questions about safety on public transportation. Despite his prestigious position and Georgetown law degree, Gary now faces multiple charges including assault and battery, sexual battery, and attempted abduction. Until these incidents, Gary had no prior criminal history, making the violent nature of the attacks even more disturbing to authorities and the public alike.
The first attack took place at approximately 8:45 p.m. at the Potomac Yard Metro station. A 30-year-old woman was with her 4-year-old daughter when Gary allegedly pushed her against a glass wall and attempted to restrain her. In a touching display of bravery, the young child tried to protect her mother by pouring her juice box on the attacker. The assailant only fled when another adult approached the scene. This traumatic event was just the beginning of what appears to be a calculated night of predatory behavior targeting vulnerable women using public transportation in the Alexandria area.
Brutal Second Attack Caught on Camera
Approximately an hour after the first incident, Gary struck again near the Braddock Road Metro station. This time, surveillance video captured the suspect following another woman in her 30s before launching a more violent attack. “The suspect grabbed her, placed his hand over her mouth and attempted to restrict her movement, wrestling her down to the ground,” The victim managed to escape and immediately reported the assault to authorities. The quick succession of attacks and their increasing violence suggests Gary was actively hunting for victims throughout the evening, using the Metro system as his hunting ground.
“That Metro system kinda curves around and continues to go, and I really believe based on the facts and the information we have, that he was targeting females while riding the Metro,” Said Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire.
The investigation moved swiftly thanks to public safety cameras and collaboration between Alexandria Police and the Metro Transit Police Department. Authorities traced a Metro card used by the suspect to the Federal Communications Commission address. This crucial piece of evidence led them directly to Gary, who regularly used the Yellow Line from his apartment near the Huntington Metro station. The efficient cooperation between law enforcement agencies likely prevented additional attacks and demonstrated the value of integrated security systems across Washington D.C.’s complex transit network.
Federal Response and Community Concerns
The Federal Communications Commission reacted promptly to the shocking allegations against their employee. “Following this disturbing incident we took immediate action against this employee. His employment with the agency will be terminated,” stated an FCC. Gary is currently being held without bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July. The stark contrast between his professional position of authority and his alleged predatory behavior has raised concerns about vetting procedures for government employees and the potential abuse of positions of power and privilege.
The incidents have sparked renewed concerns about safety throughout the Metro system among daily commuters. “People are just going around trying to take people. That’s crazy,” Said Mikaela Roper of Alexandria. “There’s nobody here to help us.” Roper further expressed skepticism about security measures: “There’s signs all over the place that say they are having increased Metro police, but I haven’t seen any increased Metro police, so I don’t know about that.” Police are continuing their investigation, believing there could be additional victims. They urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to determine if Gary’s predatory behavior extends beyond these two incidents.
