By Real News Hub Staff | May 24, 2025
WASHINGTON – A 28-year-old man was sentenced to four years in federal prison Thursday after pleading guilty to attempted carjacking in an incident that occurred near Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s Washington D.C. residence last fall.
Marcus Thompson of Southeast D.C. received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Patricia Williams, who also ordered three years of supervised release following his incarceration. Thompson had pleaded guilty in February to attempted carjacking and weapons charges.
The incident occurred on November 15, 2024, when Thompson allegedly approached a vehicle stopped at a traffic light approximately two blocks from Justice Sotomayor’s home in the Cleveland Park neighborhood. According to court documents, Thompson displayed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded the driver exit the vehicle.
The attempted carjacking was thwarted when the driver accelerated through the intersection and contacted police. Thompson was apprehended several blocks away after a brief foot pursuit by responding officers.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves emphasized that while there was no evidence Thompson was targeting Justice Sotomayor or was aware of her proximity, the incident highlighted ongoing security concerns for Supreme Court justices following increased threats in recent years.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting violent crimes that threaten public safety, particularly in areas where our federal officials reside,” Graves said in a statement.
Thompson’s defense attorney, Maria Rodriguez, argued for a lesser sentence, citing her client’s struggles with substance abuse and lack of prior violent offenses. “Mr. Thompson deeply regrets his actions and the fear he caused to the victim,” Rodriguez said during sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, which provides security for Supreme Court justices. Enhanced security measures for justices have been a topic of congressional discussion following protests at justices’ homes and increased threats.
Justice Sotomayor was not present during the incident and was not believed to be the intended target. The Supreme Court declined to comment on security matters related to individual justices.
The victim in the case, whose identity has not been released, provided a statement to the court describing the lasting psychological impact of the attempted carjacking.
Thompson will be eligible for early release programs after serving approximately 85% of his sentence, contingent on good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.
The case adds to growing concerns about crime rates in Washington D.C., where carjackings have increased significantly over the past several years, prompting enhanced law enforcement efforts and community safety initiatives.