A Gaithersburg man was fatally shot in Southeast Washington According to the Metropolitan Police Department Seventh District officers responded to 500 block of Newcomb Street officers located an adult male unconscious not breathing DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life the victim was pronounced dead The decedent has been identified as 31-year-old Alex Alexander of Gaithersburg Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411 The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.” WASHINGTON (7News) — A man was left dead after a shooting in Southeast was identified as the victim of the homicide according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officers responded to the 500 block of Newcomb Street not breathing and suffering from gunshot wounds they found no signs of life and pronounced Alexander dead Anyone with information about the case can text MPD at 50411 or call at (202) 727-9099 To help raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient construction the City of Gaithersburg’s Permits and Inspections Division is conducting free deck maintenance inspections on single-family homes all month long Building Safety Month has reinforced the need for the adoption of modern families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures The 2025 theme is "Game On!” and includes special weekly themes Discover how building safety impacts our daily lives including the places where we work Create a plan to actively support building safety programs in your community Stay prepared for natural hazards such as severe weather earthquakes and more with our disaster toolkits Meet building safety professionals and learn about rewarding careers in building safety See what’s next for the building safety industry Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has released additional information regarding the arrest of Gaithersburg resident Eric Tano Tataw revealing that he allegedly raised over $110,000 to fund separatist militias in Cameroon He is also accused of directing violent acts including mutilations referred to as “Garriing,” and using social media to incite and coordinate attacks on civilians along with the FBI and the Diplomatic Security Service led to the federal indictment of Cameroonian national also known as “the Garri Master,” is charged with conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist groups in Cameroon and making threatening communications to injure or kidnap Cameroonian civilians “The indictment of Eric Tataw reflects the unwavering commitment of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations to combat transnational crime and pursue justice for victims around the world,” said ICE HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy Tataw is alleged to have played a significant role in promoting violence and human rights violations in Cameroon by supporting a separatist movement These groups have been linked to heinous crimes against civilians and this case highlights how such atrocities can be financed and directed from afar HSI will continue to pursue those who facilitate violence—no matter where they are located—and I commend the dedicated agents and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this case we continue to uphold the rule of law — at home and abroad.” multiple armed and violent secessionist groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon are fighting to form a new country called “Ambazonia.” The armed separatist groups sought to achieve secession by not only attacking the Cameroonian military but also intentionally attacking the civilian population in Cameroon to coerce and intimidate the Cameroonian government into allowing these regions to secede These separatist fighters are frequently referred to as “Amba Boys.” Tataw was a citizen of Cameroon living in Maryland and was a member of the Cameroonian diaspora with a large social media following Tataw conspired to provide material support and resources — including money Tataw and his co-conspirators directed the maiming of Cameroonian civilians by severing their limbs a practice Tataw called “Garriing.” Tataw used the phrase “small Garri” to refer to removing fingers or other small appendages and the phrase “large Garri” to refer to removing large limbs or killing people Tataw referred to himself as the “Garri Master,” or master of mutilation Tataw and his co-conspirators targeted those believed to be working for or collaborating with the government and employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation Tataw personally wrote hundreds of social media posts on Facebook and Twitter calling for attacks against Cameroonian civilians and threatening those he viewed as cooperating with the Cameroonian government These social media posts were regularly viewed by tens of thousands of people and were often further disseminated by third parties allegedly acting at Tataw’s direction or encouragement Tataw and his co-conspirators solicited and raised funds to supply Amba Boys with firearms and other equipment for enforcing lockdown or “ghost-town” orders and carrying out violent attacks known as the “National AK Campaign,” was designed to arm each Amba Boy in Cameroon with an AK-47 rifle Tataw and his co-conspirators raised more than $110,000 Tataw and co-conspirators transferred portions of these funds — either directly or through intermediaries — to Amba Boys located in Cameroon and neighboring Nigeria Tataw communicated directly with Amba Boy leaders on the ground in Cameroon personally took credit for Amba Boys murdering and maiming civilians in connection with the separatists’ cause McCarthy announced the indictment with Kelly O Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.” the Gaithersburg Chorus presents “A Musical Epistle”— a concert of stories This program serves as a letter to ourselves exploring life’s shared gifts and challenges through music the chorus will weave together melodies and poetry that ask how we engage with beauty — and how that beauty can inspire and connect us all This concert invites audiences on a thought-provoking and heartfelt musical journey under the direction of Music Director Melodia Rinaldi and accompanied by Guzal Isametdinova 2025) – Nonprofit developer MHP celebrated the completion of the newly renovated Gardens of Gaithersburg apartment community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 1 The project required a total investment of $36 million The ceremony featured remarks by Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan this affordable community is a modernized gem in a bustling area with access to many transit connections and job opportunities for residents Gardens of Gaithersburg consists of 78 apartment homes all reserved for those making 60% of area median income (AMI) or less Gardens of Gaithersburg houses multiple residential buildings and approximately 5,000 Sq The property is centrally located near retail two new tot lots and numerous accessible paths The building is now more efficient with upgrades to electrical systems Thanks to funding from a variety of partners updated property with quality affordable apartments Investment partners include Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs MHP is dedicated to making home possible MHP has been preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing the organization provides over 2,800 homes in Montgomery County MHP accomplishes its mission by housing people Since 1989, MHP has been preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing. MHP is a private nonprofit that provides more than 2,800 homes in Montgomery County, MD, and surrounding communities. It accomplishes its mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. Learn more about how MHP is #makinghomepossible at mhpartners.org iguttin@mhpartners.org  MHP preserves and expands affordable housing in Montgomery County and the surrounding region MHP has developed and owns more than 2,800 apartments MHP offers educational programs for residents to develop skills afterschool and summer enrichment programs serving more than 400 children MHP is working with residents to implement neighborhood revitalization programs in communities affected by foreclosures COVID-19 Updates Vaccine and Booster Information View All Media Advisories View All Speeches & Testimony Sign up for a newsletter or update your subscription preferences Jour watched their world crumble as their first son “was gone far too soon” and soon after But thanks to Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) are moving into the newly refurbished Gardens of Gaithersburg off North Frederick Avenue The apartment buildings with a total of 78 units are reserved for those earning 60% of the area median income or less Ribbon cutting was held Thursday for the complex Jour called “a lifeline” for him and his family MHP finished the $36 million project thanks to funding from Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs Many funding representatives were on hand to celebrate County Executive Marc Elrich praised the affordable housing project If the apartments had been sold to a private developer only a small number of units would have been set aside for low- and moderate-income residents Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers Please email if you would like to be allow listed and the City of Gaithersburg is offering free deck inspections for residents of single-family homes within city limits The initiative is led by the City’s Permits and Inspections Division and is intended to raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient construction practices up-to-date building codes and encourages communities to adopt better practices for creating sustainable structures with weekly topics designed to engage and educate the public: To confirm that your property falls within the City of Gaithersburg boundaries, use the Gaithersburg Address Search Tool. Email permitting@gaithersburgmd.gov to request an inspection The City of Gaithersburg is celebrating and honors Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in May with special programs and a proclamation recognizing the culture Per the City of Gaithersburg: Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities are an integral part of the rich tapestry of American life both nationally and here in the City of Gaithersburg Nineteen percent of the City’s population identifies as AANHPI with ancestral roots spanning 47 countries and territories AANHPI Americans have made significant contributions across a wide range of fields Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month traces its origins to a congressional bill introduced in June 1977 President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation designating the week beginning May 4 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week President Barack Obama officially recognized it as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month President Joe Biden proclaimed May as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month and achievements of AANHPI communities across the nation The AANHPI community encompasses a rich diversity of ethnicities Their contributions span generations and embody the spirit and values of the American experience The mission of the City’s Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich Gaithersburg through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation for the City’s many cultures. Learn more here. A Gaithersburg woman was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with 22 years suspended and five years of supervised probation, following her conviction for second-degree murder in the 2023 death of her boyfriend. Espinoza-Orellana returned to the hospital at approximately 8 a.m. She was questioned by police and provided false information, lying about the events leading up to and following the victim’s death. The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) shared the following traffic advisory at 12:18pm: “Downed power lines has NB Quince Orchard Rd between Great Seneca Hwy & Quince Orchard Blvd shut down. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and expect delays.” Alert Montgomery shared the following Severe Traffic Alert at 12:45pm: “Emergency utility work closes both direction on Quince Orchard Rd (MD 124) from Great Seneca Hwy (MD 119) to Quince Orchard Blvd. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route.” Scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon and evening. Some may become severe with large hail and high winds. TRACK RADARMan suffers heart attack while driving Montgomery Co bus; prevents crash but later diesby Winston Rogers man was driving a bus for Montgomery County on Wednesday when he suffered a heart attack that resulted in his death according to Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Erich sent condolences to the family of Ruiz Bell the 63-year-old driver who suffered a medical event hours before a 13-year employee of the county and a Ride On bus operator was driving along a portion of southbound Route 55 when the heart attack occurred He managed to pull the bus over to a safe stop he was thinking about the people around him," a portion of Elrich's statement read "That kind of calm under pressure tells you a lot about the person he was." Erich described Ruiz as a hard worker who loved to golf his kindness and the way he made the workday a little lighter — not because he had to A Gaithersburg man won a $50,000 Pick 5 top prize in the April 24 evening drawing using numbers he saw in a dream with the winning ticket sold at My Dollar & More on North Frederick Avenue “A dream turned into reality for a Gaithersburg Lottery player who took home a $50,000 Pick 5 top prize using numbers he saw in a dream “I’ve had three super-vivid dreams in my life That’s how I knew this would happen,” the lucky custodian told Lottery officials while claiming the prize on April 28 “And the most recent one – just about a year ago – was about five specific numbers and money.” Assuming the dream was pointing him toward the Lottery he played those five numbers whenever he played Pick 5 The Evening Pick 5 drawing on April 24 produced those numbers The happy winner said he checked the numbers on the Lottery app “I look at the results every night expecting to see my numbers and finally they were there.” Also excited about the win are the owners of My Dollar & More at 250 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg The Montgomery County business earned a $500 bonus for selling the Pick 5 top-prize ticket.” The City of Gaithersburg has announced new changes to its Gaithersburg Downpayment Assistance program The program now allows borrowers to access up to $40,000 in downpayment and closing cost assistance These loans remain 0% deferred and are accessible to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing within the City of Gaithersburg corporate limits Per the City of Gaithersburg: In addition to the increased loan amounts the City will require all applicants to be working with a Maryland Mortgage Program approved lender The Gaithersburg DPA program provides closing cost and down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers who purchase within the City of Gaithersburg corporate limits Applicants must have lived or worked in the City for at least one year prior to the date of application Eligibility: An applicant must have lived or worked in the City of Gaithersburg for at least one year prior to the date of application. Starting July 1, 2025, applicants must also be working with a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) approved lender Applicants considered a “Priority Population” will be prioritized when multiple applications are submitted Priority Populations include K-12 Montgomery County public & private school* employees City of Gaithersburg full-time or permanent part-time employees Applicants may receive closing cost and/or down payment assistance with incomes up to 120 percent of AMI *Private schools must be licensed in Montgomery County by the State of Maryland for their employees to be considered as part of the Priority Population Funding maximums are established according to the household income: Not all residences with a Gaithersburg address are within the corporate limits of the City of Gaithersburg. Please click here to see if the residence falls within the City limits, and the amount of assistance for which the property is eligible These funds are available in a 0% deferred loan The buyer will be required to sign a promissory note and second deed of trust at settlement Please see the program synopsis for more information Homebuyers, lenders, or real estate agents can submit all documentation by mail to City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or by email to [email protected] The Pre-application serves as a pre-screening tool for City Staff to determine eligibility staff will contact the applicant to request further required documentation Please email Housing Services for more details More than 50 firefighters responded to a house on fire in the unit block of Oak Avenue in Gaithersburg A man was rescued and transported from the single-story family home with “critical life-threatening injuries,” according to Pete Piringer chief spokesperson for Montgomery County’s fire and rescue service in the first floor kitchen around a baseboard heater that ignited “other nearby combustibles,” Piringer said There was “no smoke alarm evident,” in the home The fire caused about $400,000 in damage to the home See a map of the location of the fire below Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area Valerie Bonk started working at WTOP in 2016 and has lived in Howard County She's thrilled to be a reporter for WTOP telling stories on air She works as both a television and radio reporter in the Maryland and D.C (WBFF) — A federal grand jury has indicted a 38-year-old Cameroonian national residing in Gaithersburg on charges of conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist groups in Cameroon and making threatening communications to injure or kidnap Cameroonian civilians known as "the Garri Master," is accused of orchestrating and financially backing a violent campaign to overthrow the Cameroonian government Tataw and his co-conspirators supported secessionist groups in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest regions known as "Amba Boys," who aim to establish a new country called "Ambazonia." These groups have been accused of attacking both military and civilian targets to pressure the Cameroonian government into allowing secession "Tataw and his co-conspirators masterminded and financially supported a vicious scheme to overthrow a foreign government They resorted to an unthinkable level of violence while instilling fear in innocent victims to advance their political agenda," Kelly O Attorney for the District of Maryland said are committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who attempts to inflict mayhem on others Tataw and his co-conspirators demonstrated a total disregard for human life so now they must pay the price." Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division added "The defendant is alleged to have ordered horrific acts of violence against Cameroonian civilians in support of a violent secessionist movement This indictment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to hold accountable human rights violators who direct brutal political violence and fundraise for armed militias from the comfort of the United States." ALSO READ | Officials announce indictments in 'sophisticated marriage fraud operation' Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division stated "The Justice Department will not tolerate those who help murder We will continue to hold accountable those who aim to turn American soil into a staging ground for political violence abroad." a member of the Cameroonian diaspora with a significant social media following conspired to provide material support and resources a practice he referred to as "Garriing." Tataw allegedly used social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to incite violence and solicit funds for the separatist cause called for attacks against civilians and sought to arm the Amba Boys through campaigns like the "National AK Campaign," which aimed to equip each fighter with an AK-47 rifle Tataw and his associates reportedly raised over $110,000 transferring funds to the Amba Boys in Cameroon and Nigeria The indictment further claims that Tataw communicated directly with Amba Boy leaders and took credit for violent acts committed by the separatists The City of Gaithersburg received a 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award in the Policy Category for ‘Retool Gaithersburg.’ The award was presented by Governor Wes Moore on behalf of the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet The Policy Award recognizes the adoption and implementation of public policies and plans supporting sustainable land use planning and development practices Per the City of Gaithersburg: Retool Gaithersburg is a comprehensive overhaul of the City’s zoning code which had not been fully updated since 1965 aimed to modernize the code to better align with Gaithersburg’s evolving goals and policies Key objectives included improving the organization of the code incorporating visual aids to enhance readability and revising sections to reflect the City’s vision including the recently adopted Housing Element recommendations The update also modernizes terminology and promotes equity and equality “I appreciate the Maryland Department of Planning and the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet for recognizing our dedicated work on the comprehensive zoning code update Director of Planning and Code Administration “This honor is a testament to the City’s commitment to developing a sustainable and forward-thinking Zoning Code that meets the evolving needs of our community.” The Retool Gaithersburg project involved extensive community engagement and collaboration with the Mayor and City Council the revised code is designed to foster resilience Retool Gaithersburg aims to create a regulatory framework that empowers residents while reflecting both local and state goals for the City’s future development The Sustainable Growth Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives with outstanding care towards sustainability throughout the state. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Planning’s website here Audience members hold signs reading “Why Won’t You Meet With Us” and “How Many More Have To Die” during Gaithersburg’s Regular Session on Tuesday Gaithersburg community members and justice organization representatives on Tuesday called for transparency from the Gaithersburg mayor and City Council about a Gaithersburg resident who died Dec later identified as 35-year-old Marvin Salamanca Garcia was pronounced dead at a local hospital two days after Gaithersburg police restrained him That prompted seven people to speak at the meeting about the incident “If you all are representing the city of Gaithersburg don’t only represent the elite of Gaithersburg,” activist Rabiath Moses said to the Council in a public comment during Tuesday’s regular session ”Represent the marginalized voices of Gaithersburg the vulnerable community of Gaithersburg.” The Gaithersburg Police Department responded to a report of a man causing a disturbance on Dec according to the office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown The officers encountered a man covered in blood and acting erratically at the front of an apartment building then placed and held him on the ground when he began walking away He became unconscious and stopped breathing during this time and officers began to render emergency medical aid until fire and rescue units arrived Authorities later identified the man as Garcia Community members and representatives from justice organizations expressed anger during Tuesday’s regular session about the Council’s denial to meet and talk about Garcia’s death a Gaithersburg resident and representative from the Montgomery County Racial Equity Network told the Gaithersburg council that she is “shocked” by the lawmakers’ refusal to meet and discuss policies to ensure that such death doesn’t happen again “There is not anyone in the county that we can’t get a meeting with except for you all,” Kelly said to the council during public comments Groups have sent requests to meet with the Gaithersburg chief of police and council to discuss police policies as early as Feb.5 No one outside of the office of communications unit for Maryland’s Independent Investigation Division is allowed to talk about the case while it's under investigation Some audience members booed as Sroka walked off at the end of his address Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman said city officials are not denying the conversation but deferring it until they get all of the facts of the case “We are as interested as you are in the results in the report from this investigation; we are eagerly looking forward to it and we will happily carry on a conversation with all of you when we have the facts to discuss,” Ashman said Most council members echoed their sympathy but stressed their inability to speak on the case until the investigation is over Audience members interrupted Council members with calls for transparency He said that anyone causing disruptions would be taken out of the meeting Jo Saint-George, founder and chair of Women of Color for Equal Justice, expressed disappointment with the City Council’s decision not to speak with groups requesting to meet, citing the police body camera footage of the incident “I disagree with the interpretation of the law that you can't talk about the circumstances around the facts because what's on the video is not in dispute,” Saint-George said The issue is with the character and integrity of officers and there needs to be a closer investigation to see if the officers present have a pattern of treating people how Garcia was treated organizing director of the immigrant advocacy organization CASA urged the Council to take action and work together to address the situation and we need your empathy and your commitment to the people of the city to ensure that this doesn't become another inaction,” Vasquez said Vasquez said that it was important to have this conversation because another incident could take place at any moment If citizen activists weren’t at the meeting on Tuesday the Council probably would not have addressed this issue a Gaithersburg community member and advocate said that officers failed to render first aid and instead treated Garcia like a criminal Williams said he has seen officers do everything to preserve the life of another white person while not offering the same to people of color 2025) – Nonprofit developer MHP announced today it will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Gardens of Gaithersburg apartment community in Gaithersburg a $36 million affordable housing preservation The ceremony will feature remarks from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this affordable community is a hidden gem in a bustling area with access to many transit connections and job opportunities for residents Gardens of Gaithersburg houses multiple residential buildings and approximately 5,000 Sq “We know that strong communities start with affordable housing,” said MHP President Robert A “This renovation enhances the community and supports MHP’s comprehensive effort to seek development and preservation opportunities in the DMV area The renovation of Gardens of Gaithersburg is an important milestone in MHP’s effort to preserve quality affordable housing in Montgomery County and beyond.” Below is a list of restaurants and businesses that will be coming soon to Gaithersburg Police report a man died and a woman was left in critical condition after a single-car crash on sSunday in Gaithersburg 25-year-old William Giovanis Vasquez of Prince George’s County was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Giovanis Vasquez was driving a Ford Mustang and crashed into a tree in the 300 block of Travis Avenue just after midnight Police said he was driving when “for reasons still under investigation” he struck the median A woman who was riding in the car was taken to a hospital in critical condition Detectives ask anyone who may have seen the collision to call 240-773-6620 Maryam is a reporter with Montgomery Community Media She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism She can be reached at mshahzad@mymcmedia.org or on Twitter @maryam_mcm Tiffany Kelly Gives a Speech During Her Mayoral Campaign Launch in Olde Towne on April 19 Tiffany Kelly’s Campaign Signs in Olde Towne on April 19 Ruth Bahlbi Gives a Speech During Tiffany Kelly’s Campaign Launch on April 19 Gaithersburg activist Tiffany Kelly launched her “Boots on the Ground” mayoral campaign Saturday in the Olde Towne Plaza with the support of many Gaithersburg community members Kelly said that her “Boots on the Ground” leadership strategy is more than just a song and a saying who has lived in Montgomery County for six years and in Gaithersburg for four years has spent her time advocating for various issues including rent stabilization and adequate resources for underprivileged kids in public schools She said that her experiences of coming out of generational poverty owning a small business and being a federal worker give her an interesting vantage point and allow her to hone in on things that can be done to change people’s lives Community advocate Alex Vazquez was the first person who encouraged Kelly to run for mayor He met Kelly when fighting for rent stabilization through the Montgomery County Racial Equity Network and said he realized right away that she has a unique ability to bring people together Vazquez said Kelly is able to find solutions for various issues including helping evicted families find shelter and looking for resources for families who lost their home “I told her that she had a unique gift and that I think she was the person that we really needed in these positions of power,” Vazquez said the owner of Gaithersburg’s Minuteman Press location on April 4 to see the kind of support the printing business needs Kelly asked Pineda about the challenges she faces if she feels connected to other local business owners and if she has been able to access financial assistance City leaders need to prioritize promoting and using Gaithersburg’s businesses and she added that she wants to start a campaign to shop locally She said she plans to do more interviews with small business owners as her mayoral campaign moves forward Asked about the one thing the city could do to immediately support Pineda’s business Kelly printed the t-shirts and signs used at her mayoral campaign launch through Minuteman Press “I’m going to utilize a city business for my city campaign.” Kelly launched her mayoral campaign two weeks later right across from multiple Olde Towne businesses in cowboy boots and the bright blue t-shirt printed by Minuteman Press She said that many businesses in Olde Towne are minority-owned “These businesses are being forgotten because they’re not in the fanciest part of town Six Gaithersburg community members gave speeches in support of Kelly and shared how she has advocated for them Ruth Bahlbi was tearing up when speaking about Kelly when he was being mistreated in public school because he is Black “[Kelly] was fearless to fight and stood up for my son because English was my second language and I was underestimated,” Bahlbi said Marc Saint-Jour spoke with his wife Sarah and two children The family lived in a Potomac Oaks condominium that exploded in November 2022 Saint-Jour shared that it was a difficult time for his family was shuttled from hotel to hotel and tried to get resources from Montgomery County He said that Kelly helped them handle all of that and she just has a fight in her relentlessly,” Saint-Jour said Kelly said that she wants to lead like it is illegal to make decisions without everyone’s input She said doing so goes against everything she believes about what public service is supposed to be even when it's hard – that’s what leadership looks like,” Kelly said that’s how I’ve lived and that’s how I serve.” Md (7News) — Montgomery County fire crews worked to douse the flames of a building fire involving lithium-ion batteries on Monday morning in Gaithersburg A small cloud of black smoke could be seen billowing from the building at 8025 Cessna Avenue off Airport Road according to Montgomery County Fire Rescue Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer Hazmat crews were called to assist at the scene of the fire The cause of the fire is believed to be an accident but officials are investigating Damages are estimated to be around $75,000 Lithium-ion fires pose a hazardous situation for firefighters. These fires not only generate intense heat and large amounts of smoke but can also emit toxic gases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General released police body worn camera video concerning a police-involved in-custody incident Dec The video may be disturbing to watch for some Police responded to the 300 block of North Summit Avenue after receiving a report of a man causing a disturbance the saw a man lying on the ground in front of an apartment building The man was identified as 35-year-old Marvin Salamanca Garcia The 38-minute video shows views from four different Gaithersburg police officers He at first was lying down near the entrance to his apartment When Garcia got up and started walking toward police the officers grabbed him and laid him on the ground and police tried to start up his heart and render CPR a family walked by and spoke with the police saying they had been in the apartment but left when Garcia became erratic They also said his wife and children went to a hotel various Gaithersburg officers talk about how the victim was covered in blood and had “deep lacerations” on his hands “Both of his hands are cut badly,” said one officer adding he did not know if the cuts were self-inflicted an officer translated the man’s Spanish “He’s sending his spirit to Jesus.” Another officer went into the family’s apartments The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division continues to investigate the incident as it does for all police-involved incidents that result in death A veterinary team, a retirement community, and a public servant were awarded during the 2025 Gaithersburg State of the City event “We are inspired by their contributions welcoming community that it is,” Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman said last week at Asbury Methodist Village The Veterinary Service Team of the county’s Animal Services and Adoption Center received the Distinguished Friend of Gaithersburg Award which is given to those who make contributions in the Gaithersburg community but who are not within the city’s official boundaries The team includes three full-time veterinarians and a group of veterinary technicians and assistants the team provided care and treatment to more than 100 domestic animals impounded in Gaithersburg They gave rabies vaccinations to unvaccinated pets being reclaimed by their owners They also operate a free weekly rabies vaccination clinic the clinic administered more than 1,500 rabies vaccines The team’s expertise has been essential in investigating animal cruelty cases by providing forensic veterinarian exams to help the Gaithersburg Animal Services Division “All of these efforts were carried out while overseeing the care and treatment of more than 8,000 animals that passed through the shelter in the last fiscal year,” she said The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, a retirement community on Washingtonian Boulevard that opened its doors last August, received the Outstanding Organization Award. It has independent living, assisted living, and memory care support, City Councilmember Neil Harris said. They have an annual holiday giving distribution, which MCM attended in the past “Providing more senior housing options The Carnegie offers a safe and welcoming place to live with exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for our senior residents,” Harris said received the 2025 Distinguished Resident Award he served on the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee he started on the planning commission and in 2005 the planning commission has overseen several transformative development projects “John’s thoughtful decision-making collaborative approach and deep understanding of the city have made him an integral and defining voice in the city’s growth and development,” Wu said Watch the State of the City address and awards ceremony below: Ashman Highlights Gaithersburg’s Strengths in State of the City Address DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live A brush fire was sparked in Gaithersburg amid dry conditions math teacher at the KIPP DC Public Schools The Learning Center was surprised with a $10,000 national teaching award highlighting his outstanding work in the classroom NoMa BID's outdoor movies series "CiNoMatic" is back The annual event held at Alethia Tanner Park is the perfect family-friendly event to enjoy a movie under the stars President Donald Trump says he wants to reopen Alcatraz -- a notorious maximum security federal prison that closed in 1963 Glenn Youngkin (R-Va.) has taken action on several controversial bills passed by the General Assembly this year the District is celebrating and supporting local small businesses Travel Association are taking over Nationals Park on Tuesday morning to discuss the impact of travel and tourism on Washington Fashion's biggest night brought the best looks and a surprise Rihanna shut down the Met Gala on Monday in a pinstripe look and a huge hat her newly announced baby bump on display after announcing her pregnancy with baby No Mayor Muriel Bowser said she plans to repeal Initiative 82 (I-82) under her proposed 2026 budget reverting the District to its previous tipped minimum wage policy many restaurant workers are opposing the change College Park’s first-ever Spring Street Fair will take over 51st Avenue The hip-hop world is watching as the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is now underway A look at stories making headlines in D.C. The City of Gaithersburg held a joint public hearing on April 21 2025 for a Gateway Lakeforest– a plan that proposes to redevelop 481 N Frederick Ave and 101 Lakeforest Blvd with a new 8-story multi-family residential building with up to 410 units and a ground floor commercial use The applicant, 417 Development LLC, is the original developer of the Property– having acquired out parcels from the Lakeforest Mall development in the late 1970s. According to the Gateway Lakeforest site plan on klnb’s website an opportunity for a 21,000 SF anchor grocery store is available pending plan approval The existing office building at 702 Russell Ave will remain with minor site edge improvements and may be submitted up until the closing of the records.” Bangkok Garden first opened started back in 1984 by two Thai immigrants who came to America in hopes of being able to share a part of their culture through Thai Food They served the Bethesda community for 37 years later before closing in 2021 The restaurant opened a Rockville location in November 2019 with a menu focus on Thai street foods– “the hot tasty dishes that you would find in the night markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.” We are told the Kentlands location may have a different name but could also offer some of the menu items from the Bethesda restaurant No word on any potential remodeling or an opening timeframe for the new restaurant yet Photo shows Moo Yang (grilled pork skewers served w sticky rice) over Pad Thai from Bangkok Garden Rockville Bearded Goat Barber Shop was started by entrepreneur Scott Parker (who owns various restaurants and bars in the DMV, including Don Tito in Arlington) and barbers Eric Renfro and Jon Dodson. Its first location in Ballston opened in 2019, with additional locations in D.C.’s Navy Yard in 2″20 and in Shirlington, VA in 2021, according to ARLnow “Bearded Goat Barber offers a full array of haircut styles we provide a relaxing straight razor hot towel shave We also specialize in beard shaping and sculpting and let our clippers and scissors do the work we let you know the restaurant will open its first ‘Go’ concept in the upcoming Crossroads at Kensington development– a new retail development that will be located at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road) in Kensington we know an additional location is coming to the Rock Grove Center on the corner of 355 and Shady Grove Rd next to Qdoba Jollof rice is a popular West African dish made with long-grain rice Häagen-Dazs currently has additional Montgomery County locations at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and at 1516 Rockville Pike The brand closed its Bethesda Row store in the summer of 2021 after about a decade of business at the location “PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan a pioneer in the coffee industry that demonstrated that better beans and pure passion for the art of coffee-making mattered iced and frozen coffee beverages using only the top 1% of Arabica beans as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries.” Plaza Mexico Restaurants have been serving up all your Mexican food favorites all day long nachos piled high with all your favorite toppings or sweet and crispy churros to complete your meal Your taste buds will be delighted and your stomach will be nice and full of our hearty food prepared fresh that day We invite you to visit our family restaurant with your own family Our colorful décor and fun atmosphere makes visiting our restaurant a treat every time Whether you indulge in our delicious Mexican food or have a cold cerveza or margarita at the bar you’re sure to enjoy your experience from the moment you walk through the door.” Sixty Vines has nearby locations in DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood on Washington Circle and in Reston The restaurant invites guests to sip and savor 60 different wines on tap selected from wine country regions around the globe A representative from Sixty Vines on social media told us “At this time I can not provide any information,” but a representative from the Reston VA location told us that it’s a Sixty Vines restaurant is scheduled to open in Gaithersburg in October 2025 which owns and operates the Downtown Crown retail development “T Pot understands that the perfect meal starts with the perfect ingredients which is why our food is fresh We set high standards and are involved in each step of the process of ensuring high quality food You can trust T Pot to provide you with these high quality ingredients at the best price.” We will provide an update when additional information becomes available the space is designed to be a community hub where visitors can browse unique finds and relax in a warm and welcoming atmosphere Upcycle plans to host regular events and give back to the community by supporting local youth mental health awareness programs A portion of the store’s proceeds will go toward these initiatives along with events dedicated to raising awareness and support “Slow down and take it all in… but if you scare easily Welcome to the haunting world of Paranormal Cirque!” Paranormal Cirque a “rated-R circus performance,” returns to Gaithersburg April 4 through Sunday Paranormal Cirque is “a wild fusion of circus seamlessly blending into a show that takes you back to dreams this experience delivers unforgettable emotions This is truly a paranormal spectacle like no other.” Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A Maryland man known as the “Garri Master” is accused of ordering mutilations and kidnappings in Cameroon while living comfortably in Gaithersburg Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the indictment of the "Garri Master."  Eric Tano Tataw has been federally indicted for allegedly financing and directing a violent separatist campaign in Cameroon from his home in Montgomery County is accused of raising more than $110,000 to arm a brutal militia group called the Amba Boys and calling for attacks on civilians — including orders to cut off fingers and kill those viewed as cooperating with the government and promote violence in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon where armed separatists are trying to form a breakaway nation called Ambazonia investigators say Tataw posted hundreds of messages across Facebook and Twitter to tens of thousands of followers and what he described as “Garriing” — a term he used for severing body parts Tataw called "small Garri" the removal of fingers or small appendages and "large Garri" the removal of limbs or murder He allegedly encouraged attacks on government workers and employees of the state-owned Cameroon Development Corporation and claimed responsibility for killings and kidnappings committed by Amba fighters dubbed the “National AK Campaign,” aimed to provide every Amba fighter with an AK-47 rifle Federal officials say he sent funds and equipment to armed separatists in both Cameroon and Nigeria Tataw is alleged to have played a significant role in promoting violence and human rights violations in Cameroon by supporting a separatist movement," HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said "These groups have been linked to heinous crimes against civilians and this case highlights how such atrocities can be financed and directed from afar."  Tataw is charged with conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and threatening communications to injure or kidnap civilians The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Baltimore on Thursday Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group The City of Gaithersburg has declared a snow emergency from 6 p.m and initiating plowing operations as needed The snow emergency activates the City’s emergency management plan and requires all essential City employees to report to work and remain on duty until relieved All vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense Residents are urged to obey posted signs regarding parking restrictions during snow events A list of designated snow emergency routes is available in the Map Gallery on the City’s website The City will strictly enforce NO PARKING THIS SIDE OF STREET regulations during snow events Even if you are not on a snow emergency route This allows road crews to remove snow and ice more effectively and quickly please park close to the curb and avoid cul-de-sacs Residents and business owners are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks along their property within 12 hours of the last precipitation. To avoid repeated shoveling, it is advised to wait until plow crews have cleared the roadways. Click here for more snow shoveling tips. Gaithersburg maintains nearly 93 miles of City streets, but some roads within the City are not maintained by City crews. Find out who maintains your road here. Plowing operations begin once two inches of snow accumulate on the roadway. Streets are plowed in the following order: primary roads, secondary roads, neighborhood roads, and courts. It typically takes 8 to 10 hours to plow all City streets once. Crews operate 24/7 until all roads are cleared. Residents should not allow children to play near roads or on large piles of snow left by plow trucks. Read more about snow plowing operations here. For additional updates on closures and conditions in Gaithersburg, visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgMD.gov For winter weather tips and more information, visit: http://gburg.md/snow. TRACK RADARMan stabbed in the face at Mexican restaurant in Gaithersburg (7News) — A man was stabbed in the face at a Mexican restaurant in Gaithersburg according to the Gaithersburg Police Department police said they responded to the Cancun Mexican Restaurant located in the 100 block of E Diamond Avenue for a stabbing Officials said it all started when two men got into a verbal argument at the restaurant which later escalated into a physical fight One of them then took out a knife and cut the other The wounded man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries (7News) — A man who became unresponsive while in police custody Tuesday night in Gaithersburg prompting an investigation by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department responded to reports of a disturbance in the 300 block of N they discovered a man lying on the ground outside an apartment building who was conscious but "covered in blood" and "acting erratically," stood up and walked away from the building Then authorities said the officers grabbed the man and placed him on the ground and and held him while waiting for fire and rescue personnel the man became unconscious and stopped breathing Officers administered emergency medical aid before fire and rescue units arrived to take over and rush him to an area hospital the IID plans to release the identities of the man and the officers involved the IID will generally release body-worn camera footage The cause of the man’s death remains under investigation A Maryland woman who stabbed her boyfriend in the chest, then drove him around for hours while telling a string of lies Jennifer Espinoza-Orellana and Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez with all but 18 years suspended after being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez Montgomery County prosecutors announced on Wednesday The killing unfolded in the early morning hours of Sept outside the couple’s home in the 8000 block of Shady Spring Drive Espinoza-Orellana and Zavala Marquez had been drinking with a friend when an argument escalated She later told detectives Zavala Marquez grabbed a knife and threatened to hurt himself if she ended the relationship Espinoza-Orellana admitted to pulling the knife from his hands and stabbing him in the chest — the blade pierced his sternum and heart Espinoza-Orellana and her friend carried Zavala Marquez to her car and placed him in the back seat picked up a different friend in Montgomery Village and drove that person all the way to Frederick Espinoza-Orellana dropped Zavala Marquez at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center — more than four hours after the stabbing while she didn’t stick around long enough to say goodbye and only returned to the hospital around 8:30 a.m Investigators said she initially made up a bizarre story about a sister getting a text from Zavala Marquez and claimed she had no idea how he got hurt She also told detectives she’d been in a car accident leaving the hospital — another lie meant to explain why she had switched vehicles Espinoza-Orellana finally confessed she had stabbed Zavala Marquez herself and that the rest of her story — including having a sister — was completely fabricated Detectives said she had Zavala Marquez’s cellphone and backpack in her car and never once tried to get him immediate help jurors took just 90 minutes to find her guilty of second-degree murder Judge Harry Storm sentenced her to serve 18 years behind bars a judge also ordered that Espinoza-Orellana serve five years of supervised probation Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group Mayor Jud Ashman and City Manager Tanisha Briley have declared a snow emergency for Gaithersburg from 6 p.m The declaration follows city and state codes The emergency activates the city’s emergency management plan All essential employees must report to work and stay on duty until relieved Vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes, which are marked with signs. Violators may face tickets or towing at their expense. Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. A list of emergency routes is available on the city’s website Gaithersburg will strictly enforce no parking this side of street during snow storms Officials urge residents to use off-street parking when possible This helps crews clear snow and ice more efficiently Those parking on the street should stay close to the curb and avoid cul-de-sacs Property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of the last snowfall Officials suggest waiting until plows finish to avoid repeated shoveling Gaithersburg maintains nearly 93 miles of roads Some roads within the city are handled by other agencies Snow plowing begins once two inches accumulate Clearing all city roads once takes eight to 10 hours Crews work around the clock until roads are clear Residents should keep children away from roads and high snow piles left by plows. More details on snow removal and city updates are available at www.gaithersburgMD.gov Last month we let you know that Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is set to make a splash at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Now we know the restaurant will be taking over the space formerly occupied by Bach to Rock at 212 Boardwalk Place Already a success in Naples, Florida– where the restaurant opened its doors in February 2018– Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen boasts impressive reviews with a 4.6/5 rating on Google from over 900 reviews and a 4.4 rating on Yelp from more than 300 reviews the restaurant is renowned for its authentic Lebanese flavors and brings a vibrant taste of the Mediterranean to the local dining scene their menu is steeped in rich traditions and bold flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience which is Arabic for “generous,” perfectly reflects Founder and Chef Rachid Eido’s philosophy and approach to cooking Passionate about showcasing the true spirit of Lebanese hospitality Chef Rachid invites diners to enjoy the generous blend of flavors in his authentic Beiruti Lebanese cuisine Chef Rachid Eido was raised in a family dedicated to the art of Lebanese cooking he relocated from Lebanon to the United States further refining his skills at prestigious establishments such as the InterContinental Hotels Group in Texas and the locally renowned Lebanese Taverna in the Washington To truly appreciate Chef Rachid’s culinary heritage one must travel back in time to the bustling streets of Beirut in the early 1940s It was in this vibrant city that his grandfather first crafted his famous hummus using time-honored family recipes—a tradition carried forward and perfected by his father whose talents earned him accolades from prominent Middle Eastern families Surrounded by a legacy of culinary excellence Chef Rachid was naturally drawn to the kitchen Formally trained at Beirut’s prestigious culinary school he began his career at an acclaimed InterContinental Hotel in Beirut before moving on to Washington His passion and innovative approach soon established him as a master of Lebanese cuisine Information courtesy of the restaurant website Rebecca awakens at the Gaithersburg Police precinct a deadly confrontation soon exposes a sinister scheme she must unravel the truth before it destroys her– while hiding her own dark secrets In the one scene where the city is mentioned by name Rebecca– accused of stealing money– bitterly remarks I’d be in Gaithersburg?”– mispronouncing the city’s name as “Gate-hers-burg.” The psychological thriller film directed by Felipe Mucci Though the movie was released in theaters in 2024 after Quiver Distribution acquired the North American rights filming occurred in Los Angeles for a period of 20 days and wrapped back in October 29 but has a 74% rating on popular movie rating website Rotten Tomatoes A 74% on Rotten Tomatoes is considered good While a score of 75% or higher is considered “Very Fresh” and qualifies for “Certified Fresh” status A 74% is still in the “Fresh” category indicating a generally positive critical reception (7News) — A Sam's Club in Gaithersburg Maryland was reportedly closed for some time on Friday after police tried to search for a roaming raccoon Police said they were called to the North Frederick Avenue store at around 6:40 a.m only for an animal services official to determine that a raccoon somehow made its way into the bakery area After several failed attempts to find and capture the raccoon police ultimately advised Sam's Club officials on how to "properly capture the animal," according to a Gaithersburg police spokesperson A viewer told 7News that the store's lights were off and was still closed as of around noon 7News reached out to a Sam's Club representative for comment and is awaiting a response (7News) — A car collision damaged a utility pole resulting in power outages in some areas in Gaithersburg Officials said the collision and downed pole were at E is coming to 15780 Shady Grove Rd in Gaithersburg according to commercial real estate company KLNB It will be located in the space previously occupied by Pieology Pizzeria in the 270 Center which is also home to Home Depot and Amazon Fresh Maman Joon’s menu features a variety of kabobs which opened a location alongside sister restaurant Z-Burger at 18100 Georgia Avenue in Olney in 2023 We will provide an update when additional information becomes available Per Maman Joon “We take pride in creating authentic Persian food that reflects our heritage and our menu is lovingly prepared using our treasured family recipes the word Maman means “mom” and the word Joon means “soul spirit of life.” Used in a modern day to mean “dear” as a gesture of close kinship and hospitality Food is the language through which mom best knows.” Mayor Jud Ashman and members of the City Council hosted the 2025 State of the City address on Thursday at Asbury Methodist Village’s Rosborough Cultural Arts and Wellness Center Per the City of Gaithersburg: More than 140 guests attended the reception and presentation, including civic partners who serve on City boards, commissions & committees and others whose involvement is invaluable to the Gaithersburg community Mayor Ashman’s address featured several stories that focused on service in the City and commitment to the Gaithersburg community The State of the City event serves as the platform for the presentation of the City’s annual Distinguished Resident The first-ever Gaithersburg Film Festival will take place in April According to the city the festival “is dedicated to creating a platform for diverse creators and communities to share their stories and artistic expressions through film” and aims to raise awareness about social and cultural issues as well as encourage dialogue and cross-cultural understanding The festival will happen April 25-27 at the Arts Barn at 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg Filmmakers can enter their submissions here 30 and the late submission deadline is Feb There is a $5-$15 registration fee based on type of submission Those whose films are selected to play at the festival will be notified by March 29 She can be reached at mshahzad@mymcmedia.org or on Twitter @maryam_mcm.