Pentagon | ARLnow.com

Man Pleads Guilty to Firing Bullets at Pentagon

Published January 26, 2012 at 3:06PM | Updated January 26, 2012 at 6:26PM

Yonathan Melaku, 23, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty to three counts of: damaging government property, using a firearm during a crime, and attempted injury to veterans’ memorials. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have jointly asked for a 25-year sentence.

As part of the plea, Melaku admitted that on or around the early morning of Oct. 19, 2010 he fired multiple 9mm rounds at the Pentagon building. He also admitted to firing bullets at the National Museum of the Marine Corps (twice), a Marine Corps recruiting sub-station in Chantilly, and a U.S. Coast Guard recruiting office in Woodbridge. The shootings took place between Oct. 17, 2010 and Nov. 2, 2010.

News

Moran: Proposed Cuts Will Keep Military Strong

By ARLnow.com

Published January 6, 2012 at 11:44AM

Moran’s Northern Virginia district, which includes the Pentagon and the headquarters of numerous defense contractors, has much to lose from cuts in defense spending. But Moran said in a statement that the proposed cuts (which will actually just trim hundreds of billions of expected increases in the Pentagon budget over the next decade) will keep the military strong and agile.

The President’s new defense strategy both preserves the world’s strongest military while recognizing that our country faces difficult budgetary challenges in a security environment much different from the Cold War era our current defense posture was designed to combat.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 5, 2012 at 8:15AM | Updated January 6, 2012 at 11:17AM

Arlington Seeks Contractor to ‘Dump Bodies’ — Updated on 1/6/12 — This article has been corrected. Earlier: Among the “just in case” categories of contracting work for which Arlington County is seeking potential applicants is corpse handling. Listed under the heading “Dump Bodies,” the job would be awarded in the event of a disaster involving mass casualties. [Washington Business Journal]

Local Dems to Require Loyalty Oath, Too — The Republican Party of Virginia has been facing some scrutiny over its plan to require voters in the upcoming Republican presidential primary to sign a “loyalty oath.” Arlington Democrats, however, are planning to require something very similar for participants in their upcoming County Board caucuses. Caucus voters will be required to sign a statement pledging their support for the eventual Democratic County Board nominee. [Ode Street Tribune]

News

‘Live Fire’ Test To Be Conducted at the Pentagon

By ARLnow.com

Published December 7, 2011 at 10:00AM

Don’t be surprised if you hear what sounds like gunshots near the Pentagon this weekend. The Pentagon’s police agency is planning to conduct a “live fire calibration test” between 6:00 a.m. and noon on Sunday.

From a Pentagon Force Protection Agency press release:

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 17, 2011 at 8:29AM

State Change Could Cost Arlington Millions — A proposed change in the way Virginia determines how much localities are reimbursed for road maintenance could cost Arlington $9.2 million per year if approved. [Sun Gazette]

Bikeshare Expansion Approved, Sort Of — The Arlington County Board voted on Saturday to use $1.2 million in state funds to build about 30 new Capital Bikeshare stations along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Installation of the stations (and nearly 200 new bikes) is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2012. The action isn’t official yet, though. Due to an administrative error, the Board will have to reconsider the item at their Tuesday evening meeting. [Arlington County]

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Sunday Road Closures for Army Ten-Miler

By Katie Pyzyk

Published October 7, 2011 at 11:51AM

Tens of thousands of runners will be hitting the streets for the 27th Annual Army Ten-Miler race.

The race begins at 8 a.m. on Route 110 and ends in the Pentagon South Parking Lot, but some roads will be shut down as early as 5 a.m. They should all be reopened by noon.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 12, 2011 at 9:13AM

Somber Anniversary at the Pentagon — A crowd of 1,600 people — including survivors and loved ones of victims — gathered at the Pentagon yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Adm. Mike Mullen were among the speakers. President Obama arrived later in the afternoon and laid a wreath at the Pentagon Memorial. [Washington Post, New York Times]

‘Walmart’ Ordinance May Be Delayed — The County Board was supposed to vote this month on a new ordinance designed to give the board final approval on all ‘big-box’ development in Arlington, but county staff wants another month to write the ordinance. [Sun Gazette]

Traffic

Sunday Road Closures Include I-395, Route 110

By ARLnow.com

Published September 10, 2011 at 2:59PM

Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency will be closing numerous routes near the Pentagon at the request of the U.S. Secret Service.

“Motorists are encouraged to make alternate travel arrangements to avoid the area around the Pentagon,” Arlington police said in a statement. “As conditions change it is possible these road closures will be broadened. Those traveling through this area should expect significant delays for the majority of the day and are strongly encouraged to avoid the area.”

Events

Events Planned to Commemorate 9/11 Anniversary

By ARLnow.com

Published September 9, 2011 at 6:31PM

First up is the 10th annual Arlington Police, Sheriff and Fire 9/11 5K race, which will get underway in Pentagon City at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. To accommodate the race, a number of roads will be closed between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m., including parts of Army Navy Drive, S. 12th Street, Crystal Drive and the Pentagon South parking area.

Residents should also expect a ceremonial flyover of four police helicopters between 5:45 and 6:00 p.m. The race, which has been growing in scale since its inception, is sold out this year.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 8, 2011 at 9:16AM

DCA Workers Injured By Lightning Strike — Two workers at Reagan National Airport were injured after lightning struck near American Airlines Gate 32. The injuries were not considered life-threatening. [WUSA 9]

Recounting 9/11 at Va. Hospital Center — The injured came flooding into Virginia Hospital Center by private car, military vehicle and ambulance on Sept. 11, 2001, employees recalled at a recent commemoration. Now the hospital says they’re better prepared to handle all sorts of emergencies. [MyFoxDC, WTOP]

Traffic

Washington Blvd Closed Briefly Due to Suspicious Item

By ARLnow.com

Published August 25, 2011 at 11:04AM

A suspicious item prompted authorities to briefly close Washington Boulevard between I-395 and the GW Parkway around 10:00 this morning.

The item was located along the fence line of the Pentagon and Washington Boulevard, according to Pentagon Force Protection Agency spokesman Chris Layman. The item has since been cleared.

News

Major Road Closures Planned for 9/11 Event This Week

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2011 at 3:03PM

According to an email from Arlington Alerts, police are planning on shutting down eastbound I-66 from the Beltway to Route 110, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.

“The [police] escort is being provided to ensure the safety of all motorists along the path of travel,” the email said. “It is recommended that anyone who travels along this route take alternate routes to their destination during this period. It is anticipated I-66 will be reopened by 4:00 pm at the beltway to minimize the impact on rush hour traffic.”