Report: DC Library Police Took Over 20 Minutes to Respond to Fireworks Call

A Disturbing Incident at the Rosedale Neighborhood Library

A recent incident at the Rosedale Neighborhood Library in Washington, D.C., has raised serious concerns about safety and security within public spaces. The event, which occurred almost a month ago, involved the use of fireworks inside the library, leading to chaos and prompting strong reactions from residents and library patrons.

Kathy Henderson was inside the library on July 8 when she witnessed an alarming scene. "I'm seeing fireworks jetting around the floor. It was so bizarre, so surreal, and just so unacceptable," she said. "Chaos ensued afterwards. That's completely unacceptable. Libraries are supposed to be quiet, peaceful neighborhood centers for learning. They're not supposed to be danger zones."

Henderson captured video footage showing fireworks detonating on the library floor, dangerously close to shelves of books and patrons seated at nearby tables. She also took photographs of the charred damage left on the floor and pamphlets. The images have sparked outrage among community members, with some expressing disbelief that no serious injuries occurred.

Yvette Foucher, another resident who saw the images, voiced her concern: "There is no safety if they do that. Next thing, they'll be throwing them at people, and I think they do." Her comments reflect the growing fear that such incidents could escalate into more dangerous situations.

Following the incident, 7News On Your Side made a public records request for the Library Police report, which revealed new details about the event. According to the report, one library staff member was hit in the ankle by the fireworks but declined medical assistance. Despite this, the report also highlighted significant gaps in response time and preparedness.

The report stated that the Office of Public Safety was notified of the fireworks being set off around 4:24 p.m. However, a Library Police officer did not arrive until 4:46 p.m.—more than 20 minutes later. This delay has led to questions from residents like Henderson, who pointed out that the juvenile involved had a documented history of disruptive behavior and multiple trespassing violations.

"I stayed until the [library] police arrived. The library police did not arrive in a timely fashion," Henderson said. "You know this is a center where there's been disruptive behavior before. You should have someone here at all times and you should be poised to respond quickly."

7News On Your Side followed up with the D.C. Public Library to ask several critical questions:

• Why did it take Library Police 20 minutes to show up to the scene?
• Why weren't Library Police already assigned to the Rosedale branch, considering the juvenile involved in the fireworks incident had a history of disruptive behavior and trespassing?
• I know you said there's now a full-time officer assigned there. How long will that officer be assigned there full-time?

In response, a spokesperson provided the following statement:

"A permanent, full-time Library Police officer has been assigned to the Rosedale Library for more than a year. The officer was on leave on the afternoon of the incident. However, a roving officer, who travels to multiple libraries during their shift, was notified and immediately deployed to the Rosedale Library. A Metropolitan Police Department officer also responded to the incident."

The statement also explained the library’s approach to managing behavioral issues: "The Library values being open and accessible to all, and this is particularly important for our youth. Library users are allowed to return to the library after successful completion of a bar. As per our behavioral rules, previous bars can be considered if there are future behavioral issues. Past behavior can be considered if new violations occur, but access is not limited because individuals have previously been barred. This approach reflects our belief that the Library should remain a space where people—particularly youth—have the opportunity to learn from their actions, reengage with their community, and access the resources that support their growth."

Despite these assurances, many residents feel that more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. Foucher expressed her concern: "It's just a matter of time before something like that happens again and someone really gets hurt."

After 7News first reported on the fireworks incident, the library system spokesperson reiterated that "a full-time special police officer is assigned to the Rosedale Library." However, Henderson remains skeptical and hopes the library takes the incident seriously to prevent future harm.

"You cannot discharge fireworks in a library," Henderson said. "That's absurd, and it needs to be given the highest priority. This community deserves to be treated fairly, equitably, and we need a library center that is safe."