About the March 24th 2018 Rally Against Gun Violence in the District of Columbia - #Michael Ayele (a.k.a) W

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
OFFICE OF POLICE COMPLAINTS

W (AACL) July 7, 2021
Michael A. Ayele
P.O.BOX 20438
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

RE: Response to Freedom of Information Act Request
OPC FOIA No. 21-05797

Dear W:

I am writing in response to an emailed received by the Office of Police Complaints
(OPC) on June 7, 2021 sent by you on June 6, 2021. The email subject line was: FOIA Appeal
Case No.: OAG FOIA No. 002-21. While this email appeared to be an appeal of a FOIA request
made to the DC Office of the Attorney General, under a broad understanding of FOIA requests
OPC has determined to treat this as a new FOIA request to OPC and opened a request in the
FOIA portal. The request section of your email stated:

What I am requesting for prompt disclosure are all documents detailing (1) formal and
informal ties existing between the DC.Gov (MPD), the DC.Gov (OAG), the DC.Gov (OPC), the
DC.Gov (CJCC), the DC.Gov (DBH), the DC.Gov (DHCF), the DC.Gov (DOH), the DC.Gov
(CFSA), the DC.Gov (OSSE), the DC.Gov (BEGA), the DC.Gov (DCRA), the DC.Gov (OAH)
and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) your communications in the form of e-
mails and postal correspondence amongst yourselves as well as students, employees and legal
representatives of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School about the February 14th 2018 mass
shooting rampage that killed 17 people and injured 17 others; (3) your communications in the
form of e-mails and postal correspondence amongst yourselves as well as students, family
members, employees and legal representatives of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School about
the peaceful March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C on March 24th 2018; (4) all
partnership agreements concluded between the DC.Gov (MPD) with the DC.Gov (OAG), the
DC.Gov (OPC), the DC.Gov (CJCC), the DC.Gov (DBH), the DC.Gov (DHCF), the DC.Gov
(DOH), the DC.Gov (CFSA), the DC.Gov (OSSE), the DC.Gov (BEGA), the DC.Gov (DCRA),
the DC.Gov (OAH) and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to reduce and eradicate
instances of violent crime taking into consideration the DC.Gov (MPD) 2018 report; (5) your
communications in the form of e-mails and postal correspondence about Congresswoman
Marjorie Taylor Greene following on the streets of Washington D.C March for Our Lives co-
founder David Hogg to criticize his support for Red-flag laws; (6) your communications in the
form of e-mails and postal correspondence about the response of Fred Guttenberg to a California
federal judge recent decision to overturn a ban on assault weapons; (7) your communications in
the form of e-mails and postal correspondence about Chris Rock stand-up comedy on gun
control, where he suggested that the U.S should set an economic price floor of $5,000 for every
bullet sold by businesses authorized to sell firearms and ammunitions.

1400 I Street, NW, Suite 700  Washington, DC 20005  Tel: (202) 727-3838  Fax: (202) 727-7638
www.policecomplaints.dc.gov

21-05797
Page 2 of 3

As to request 3, your request is granted. OPC conducted first amendment assembly
monitoring of the March for Our Lives. Documents related to this are included with this
response.

For the other requests included in your letter, after due consideration and a thorough
review of your request, your request does not appear to be for any Office of Police Complaints
(OPC) agency records. However, OPC can provide some answers. Addressing each part:

1. OPC and all of the other agencies listed are DC Government agencies. This is OPC’s
formal and informal tie to all of them. However, OPC is an independent DC
Government agency.

2. OPC has no communications with or about the shooting at Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School on February 14th 2018.

4. Same as 1.

5. OPC has no communications about Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene
following on the streets of Washington D.C March for Our Lives co-founder David
Hogg to criticize his support for Red-flag laws.

6. OPC has no communications about the response of Fred Guttenberg to a California
federal judge recent decision to overturn a ban on assault weapons.

7. OPC has no communications about Chris Rock stand-up comedy on gun control,
where he suggested that the U.S should set an economic price floor of $5,000 for
every bullet sold by businesses authorized to sell firearms and ammunitions .

The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is an independent agency with oversight of
complaints made against officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the District of
Columbia’s 3,800-member police force, and the DC Housing Authority Police Department
(DCHAPD), the District's 40-member housing authority police force. OPC's mission is to
increase community trust in the District of Columbia police forces by providing a fair, thorough,
and independent system of civilian oversight of law enforcement. As such the requested records
are not OPC records, and there are no agency records that are responsive to the requests 1,2, 4, 5,
6, and 7. The undersigned and Executive Director Michael G. Tobin are responsible for this
decision.

Please note that under D.C. Official Code § 2-537 and 1 DCMR § 412, you have the right
to appeal this letter to the Mayor or to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. If you
elect to appeal to the Mayor, your appeal must be in writing and contain “Freedom of
Information Act Appeal” or “FOIA Appeal” in the subject line of the letter as well on the outside
of the envelope. The appeal must include (1) a copy of the original request; (2) a copy of any
written denial; (3) a statement of the circumstances, reasons, and/or arguments advanced in
support of disclosure; and (4) a daytime telephone number, and e-mail and/or U.S. Mail address
at which you can be reached. The appeal must be mailed to: The Mayor’s Correspondence Unit,
FOIA Appeal, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 316, Washington, DC 20004. Electronic

21-05797
Page 3 of 3

versions of the same information can instead be e-mailed to The Mayor’s Correspondence Unit
at [email protected].

Further, a copy of all appeal materials must be forward to the Freedom of Information
Officer of the involved agency, or to the agency head of that agency if there is no designated
Freedom of Information Officer there. Failure to follow these administrative steps will result in
delay in the processing and commencement of a response to your appeal to the Mayor.

If you have any questions regarding this response, or if I can be of any further assistance,
please contact me at (202) 727-3838.

Sincerely,

Alicia J. Yass
Legal Counsel

Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Graham, Matthew (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL
(FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=ECF9D96F89E442428C84814FDE517D3E>
Sent: Monday, March 5, 2018 4:16 PM
To: Yass, Alicia (DCPC); Howard, Rochelle (DCPC); Tobin, Michael (DCPC)
Subject: RE: March for our lives
Attachments: USPP permit.JPG

The Park Police's posted info is attached. The main one is on bottom, and indicates as potential locations Pennsylvania 
Ave (3rd to 12th St.), Constitution Ave (1st to 9th St.), the U.S. Navy Memorial, John Marshall Park, and Freedom Plaza. 
The one above also lists West Potomac Park Polo Field, private reception area, and softball fields as potential locations, 
which the woman working at the USPP office said were being considered for spillover. So it seems that reports that it 
will be on Pennsylvania Ave/Constitution Ave appear to be true. The expected size is 500,000 people, though it's not 
clear if this is the permit requester's estimate or the USPP's estimate (I assume the former). There's no indicated start or 
end time. 
 
The woman said these permits were neither approved nor denied, but were still under planning/review.  
 
 
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ 
From: Yass, Alicia (DCPC)  
Sent: Monday, March 5, 2018 2:03 PM 
To: Howard, Rochelle (DCPC); Graham, Matthew (DCPC); Tobin, Michael (DCPC) 
Subject: Re: March for our lives 
 
I heard something on the news about the mayor working with the organizers to plan, so it seems like this is the way it's 
happening. 
 
________________________________________ 
From: Howard, Rochelle (DCPC) 
Sent: Monday, March 5, 2018 11:20:55 AM 
To: Graham, Matthew (DCPC); Tobin, Michael (DCPC); Yass, Alicia (DCPC) 
Subject: RE: March for our lives 
 
FYI....Matt is going to go to the Park Police office and check the status of the permit today before we ask MPD. 
 
From: Howard, Rochelle (DCPC) 
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:14 AM 
To: Graham, Matthew (DCPC); Tobin, Michael (DCPC); Yass, Alicia (DCPC) 
Subject: RE: March for our lives 
 
Thanks Matt. 
 
From: Graham, Matthew (DCPC) 
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:12 AM 
To: Tobin, Michael (DCPC); Howard, Rochelle (DCPC) 
Subject: March for our lives 
 
Good morning, 

1

 
Just FYI, I heard on NPR this weekend that the March For Our Lives was denied a permit on the Mall, and will be 
marching down Pennsylvania Ave instead (which is MPD jurisdiction). 
 
‐‐ 
Matthew Graham 
Research Analyst 
D.C. Office of Police Complaints 
(202) 727‐3838 
[Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/OfficeofPoliceComplaints> 
 
 

2

Briefing Memo: March For Our Lives

When & Where: Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 11:30 am to 4 pm. March For Our Lives rally will take place at
noon on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., between 3rd Street, NW and 12th Street, NW

Schedule:
11:00am Security screenings begin for entry into the rally area at 12th & Pennsylvania NW and 7th and

Constitution Avenue NW
12:00pm – March For Our Lives program is scheduled to begin at stage located at 3rd Street, NW
12:00pm to 3:00 pm – Rally & testimonies at stage positioned at 3rd Street, NW with rally potentially extending

to 12th Street, NW
4:00pm – Likely End of March and OPC monitoring unless determined by Alicia

Zones, Teams & *Zone leaders
Zone 1: 11:30am to 4pm - *Matt & Victoria (Monitor the rally area at the stage between 3rd & 4th Streets, NW).
Zone 2: 11:30am to 4pm - *Natasha & Chris (Monitor the rally area from the entrances at 7th Street, to 3rd Street, NW).
Zone 3: 11:30am to 4pm - *Doug & Chaun, (Monitor the rally area from the entrances at 12 Street, N.W., to 7th Street,

N.W., then funnel closer to the event stage as the program begins unless the streets are too crowded).

The OPC Plan
All teams meet in the conference room at 11:00 a.m. Zone 1 monitor rally at 3rd Street, NW, Zone 2 monitor entry points
from 7th St, NW to stage, Zone 3 monitor entry points at 12th Street, NW to 7th Street, NW. See map.

Rally Point: Safety is always the number one priority! IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGECY, such as loss of cell
phone service, report directly to the rally point at OPC. Alicia and Doug will take a head count and provide
further instructions.

To Bring

OPC assembly observer arm sleeve, DC government ID on lanyard, fully charged iPad, cellphone, notepad and pens, OPC
hotline business cards, Mike’s business card for all media inquiries, and this paper with the phone list. Bring a backpack

with food and water; and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes.

Phone List Victoria Natasha Alicia
Doug Matt Chris Mike
Chaun

Things to Note & Pay Attention to During the Protest
• Generally, you should record: 1) police presence and behavior; 2) demonstrators’ presence and behavior; and 3) any interactions

between demonstrators and the police. Do not record substance of demonstration (i.e. speakers, etc.) unless it is relevant to the three
points noted above.
• If you witness an incident then start recording immediately. Also, write down or repeat for the recording the names and badge
numbers of officers, incident location, time, and describe what you saw and heard.
• Focus on the police and write down anything that is out of the ordinary.
• Were the officers’ names and badge numbers visible on their uniforms or helmets? Wearing riot gear?
• Did officers allow people to record them? If officers recorded individuals, did they provide notice?
• Was there large scale non-compliance by protestors? Were police lines used to restrain protestors? Were any arrests made?
• Were chemical irritants used? Describe. Were there warnings? What orders were given and how? How much time was allowed for
protestors to disperse? Was the media allowed access?
• Questions from the public: Respond by saying you cannot comment on police procedure and direct them to OPC’s website for
information about our office and how to file a complaint.

Draft prepared by Senior Investigator Anthony Lawrence on March 14, 2018



Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Lawrence, Anthony (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL
(FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=B8D7F9AAE3294773883AF0F27B2C1C47>
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:31 AM
To: Cross, Marke (DCPC)
Subject: March For Our Lives map

Subject: March For Our Lives map

There is now a map up on the March for Our Lives website with a route, it does appear to be predominately on
DC grounds
https://marchforourlives.com/march-in-dc/

Sent from my iPad

1

Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Rowe, Robert (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL
(FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=9633AFCD236F42639B7AE6A0C56B8E2F>
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 8:44 AM
To: Tobin, Michael (DCPC)
Subject: Mandatory “March for Our Lives” Detail Command Briefing Set for March 21

Mike, 
FYI from today’s Dispatch.   
 
Mandatory “March for Our Lives” Detail Command Briefing Set for March 21 
On Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 1300 hours, there will be a MANDATORY command briefing for the units designated 
to assist with the First Amendment Demonstrations and Special Events occurring on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The 
briefing will be held at the Special Operations Division Headquarters, located at 2850 New York Avenue, NE. All 
Lieutenants and Captains assigned to the units below who are working this detail must attend the briefing:  
» Patrol Services North (PSN) » Patrol Services South (PSS)  
» Investigative Services Bureau (ISB)  
» Criminal Investigations Division (CID)  
» Narcotics and Special Investigations Division (NSID)  
» School Safety Division (SSD)  
» Youth Investigations Division (YID)  
» Corporate Support Bureau (CSB)  
» Professional Development Bureau (PDB)  
» CDU Platoons: Each District’s 1st through 4th Platoons  
» Metropolitan Police Academy (MPA)  
» Cadet Corps  
» Reserve Corps  
 
Officials will receive vital information regarding the First Amendment Demonstration and Special Events and detail 
materials will be distributed at the briefing. Members will be compensated for attendance should their attendance be 
outside their regular scheduled tour of duty. Questions regarding the briefings may be directed to Captain Robert Glover 
by email, [email protected], or by telephone on (202) 497‐1162. From Teletype #03‐044‐18 
 
 
Robert Rowe │ Investigations Manager
DC Office of Police Complaints
1400 I Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 727-3838

 

1

Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Lawrence, Anthony (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL
(FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=B8D7F9AAE3294773883AF0F27B2C1C47>
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 9:19 AM
To: Clark, Chauntini (DCPC); Keyes, Victoria (DCPC); Graham, Matthew (DCPC); Weber, Christopher T.
(DCPC); Smith, Natasha (DCPC); Yass, Alicia (DCPC)
Cc: Howard, Rochelle (DCPC); Tobin, Michael (DCPC)
Subject: FW: March for Our Lives Information

Colleagues: 

 
In the link below is some helpful information that Chaun came across as we prepare for Saturday’s historic event.  See 

you at the meeting in the large conference room today at 2:00pm.  Doug  

 

From: Clark, Chauntini (DCPC)
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 9:06 AM
To: Lawrence, Anthony (DCPC)
Subject: March for Our Lives Information
 

Hey Doug, 

 

Found some information online‐ thought I’d share with you! 
 

http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local‐news/march‐for‐our‐lives‐guide‐everything‐you‐need‐to‐know‐about‐the‐rally‐in‐

dc 

 
 
Chauntini Clark
Investigative Clerk
Office of Police Complaints
Government of the District of Columbia
1400 I Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 724-7590
Fax: (202) 727-7638
www.policecomplaints.dc.gov 

 
 

1

Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Rowe, Robert (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL
(FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=9633AFCD236F42639B7AE6A0C56B8E2F>
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 10:59 AM
To: Lawrence, Anthony (DCPC)
Subject: FW: Everything You Need to Know for the Rally for DC Lives & March for Our Lives

Here is some good intel on Saturday’s march including a rally that the mayor is going to, that takes place in the morning 
before the march. 
Bob 
 
From: Bob Rowe [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 10:46 AM
To: Rowe, Robert (DCPC)
Subject: Fw: Everything You Need to Know for the Rally for DC Lives & March for Our Lives

 
 
Sent from Outlook 
 

From: Charles Allen <[email protected]> 
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 7:16 AM 
To: Robert Rowe 

Subject: Everything You Need to Know for the Rally for DC Lives & March for Our Lives  
  

Robert --
With the March for Our Lives expected to draw close to 500,000 visitors on Saturday, I wanted to share as much
information as possible about the event, including expected closures and ways to participate if you’d like.
Before the national event kicks off at noon on Saturday, I wanted to be sure you knew about the Rally for DC Lives ta
place that morning followed by a march to link up with the larger event on Pennsylvania Avenue. Join me, Mayor Bow
Congresswoman Norton, and most importantly, several incredible young people who will share their stories of how gu
violence has impacted their lives. Given the national discussion taking place, it's also important to localize it, listen to
own young people, hear their stories, and take action.

1

Rally for DC Lives
Where: Folger Park (3rd and D St., SE)
When: 9-10 am, Saturday March 24
Why: Rally with your neighbors, hear from DC's youth about gun violence, learn from Congresswoman Eleanor Holm
Norton about congressional efforts to interfere with DC's gun laws, and head to the national March for Our Lives as a
RSVP: Click here to RSVP to get any last minute updates.
Is this event family friendly? Yes! This is a student-driven rally and we'd love to have kids and youth come. Feel free t
make a sign or two to bring as well.
Since this is about empowering the next generation, DC's Board of Elections will have staff on hand to help register vo
and even pre-register future voters between the ages of 16 and 18.
Will this happen rain or shine? Yes! This rally will take place no matter the weather -- we will be out there and hope y
plan to join.
How are we getting to the national March for Our Lives? Here's the proposed walking route we'll take at 10 am. We w
head for the entrance at 7th and Constitution, NW.
Information About the March for Our Lives
There's a helpful FAQ if you're interested in attending the March here: https://marchforourlives.com/dc-march-faq/
Landing page for all-things DC around the March: https://marchforourlives.dc.gov
Text alerts: You can sign-up for text alerts from the city by texting "MARCH24" to 888-777.
When: Saturday, March 24, beginning at noon.
Where: The stage will be at 3rd and Pennsylvania facing west, but there are three entrances -

 12th and Pennsyvlania, NW
 7th and Constitution, NW
 7th and Indiana, NW

Getting There:
If you plan to take Metrorail to the March, please note that the entire Federal Triangle Metro Station and the 4th Street
entrance to Judiciary Square Metro Station will also be closed. The closest stops to the March location are Archives-N
Memorial, Judiciary Square, and Federal Center. WMATA will be running on a rush hour schedule all day but prepare
crowds and get your SmarTrip card ready in advance!
The Circulator’s National Mall Route will be suspended for the March. Circulator buses will be used to transport marc
from the RFK Parking lot to the National Mall from 7am to 6pm.
Ridesharing and the ADA drop off point will be at 7th and Maryland SW. (Did you know Lyft is offering free rides to t
March?)
What Can I Bring?

2

While there will be food and drink available for purchase around the March, it is smart to pack some water and snacks
sure to bring a bag or backpack that is smaller than 18” by 13” by 7”. Cameras are fine but leave the selfie sticks, bicy
and pets at home. Service dogs are allowed. A full list of restricted items can be found on the March for Our Lives web
Banners and signs smaller than 20’ x 3’ x ¼” are welcome at the rally, and wearable, foldable and rollable banners and
are encouraged. Please no sticks or other supports for your signs. Do you need ideas for your sign? Get inspired here. E
City Books will host a pre-March sign making event at 10:30 am Saturday morning.
Street Closures
The March for Our Lives will be held at Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd-12th Streets NW. Entrances will be at Pennsylvani
Avenue & 12th Street NW, Constitution Avenue & 7th Street, NW, and Indiana Avenue & 7th Street NW.
MPD and DDOT are planning to close Constitution Ave from 3rd Street, NW to the East Crossover with Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 3rd Street, NW to 4th Street, NW beginning Friday evening at 7pm
Many other streets will have Emergency No Parking until Saturday afternoon. You can see a complete list of closures
Bus Parking at RFK
We expect many buses to bring in thousands of visitors to RFK. Some of those visitors will probably decide to walk do
East Capitol Street to the main event, much as we've seen with past inaugurations and marches. My office is working w
the Mayor’s office and community partners to make sure there will be facilities available in case people need to take a
or use the restroom. With so many families with children expected, we’re trying to make sure they will have what they
need.
Want to be More Involved?
Share your love for and knowledge of your city with March attendees. Be a Wayfinder! We need a LOT of volu
to help folks around the city. There will be a pre-march training Thursday, March 22, 6:00 pm at the Washington
Convention Center. Find some friends and volunteer.
Pre-March Activities
Friday afternoon at 2pm student journalists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will appear on a panel at the
Newseum to discuss their experiences surviving and reporting on the February 14 attack. Margaret Brennan, moderato
CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” will lead the discussion. The event is free with admission to the Newseum.
Washington National Cathedral will host an interfaith prayer vigil at 7pm, Friday, March 23. The program is being
planned by a collaborative coalition of young people and leaders from many faith traditions. Advance registration is re
so please sign up here.
The Anthem at the Wharf hosts Stay Amped: A Concert to End Gun Violence featuring performances by artists suc
Fall Out Boy, G-Eazy, Baby Rexxa, Lizzo and others. Tickets are $50-$175.
I'm very excited for this Saturday and hope you'll be able to join me at both the Rally for DC Lives and the March for
Lives to call for an end to the epidemic of gun violence.
Thanks,
Charles Allen

-=-=-

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Councilmember Charles Allen ꞏ 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
This email was sent to [email protected]. To stop receiving emails, click here.
You can also keep up with Charles Allen on Twitter or Facebook.
-=-=-

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4

Yass, Alicia (DCPC)

From: Cleveland, Nykisha (DCPC) </O=DC GOVERNMENT/OU=EXTERNAL

Sent: (FYDIBOHF25SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=C232CDCB78B84EC5965613DF635D92C3>
To:
Friday, March 23, 2018 12:32 PM
Subject:
Paul Ashton ); kurt.vorndran ; 'Bobbi Elaine Strang'; Kane, Morgan

(MPD)

Office of Police Complaints Prepares to Monitor March For Our Lives Rally

PCB Members: 
 
We issued a press release today on monitoring the March For Our Lives Rally.  You can find the release here.  
 
Additionally, I believe Mike mentioned this last night at the Board meeting, but we are on Twitter now!  Please follow us 
at https://twitter.com/DistrictOPC and ask your networks to follow us.  
                           
 
Thank you. 
 
Nykisha Cleveland 
Public Affairs Specialist 
Office of Police Complaints  
1400 I Street NW, Suite 700  
Washington, DC 20005 
Phone: (202) 727‐3838  

 
 

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