The YMCA in Del Ray (420 E Monroe Avenue) is temporarily closed after a medical incident.

Alexandria Fire-EMS are on the scene assisting a woman who went into cardiac arrest in the gym section of the YMCA.

The woman is being transported to the hospital. As of 3:40 p.m. the gym remains temporarily closed.

James Cullum contributed to this story

Alexandria Congressman split his votes on security funding bills for U.S. allies over the weekend.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) voted for bills to aid the defense of Ukraine, which is under Russian invasion, and Taiwan, which is under the threat of Chinese military action. He voted against defense aid for Israel, which is battling Hamas in a bloody conflict that has killed scores of civilians on both sides.

On the House floor, Beyer said Congress should have voted on the Ukraine and Taiwan bills sooner.

“While it is deeply unfortunate that it took this long for wiser voices to prevail, the House is stepping up today to proclaim American strength and send bold support to Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “The Ukrainian people did not choose this war, Ukraine was invaded by a bloodthirsty tyrant who has designs that go far beyond Ukraine.”

“If allowed to expand unchecked, Russian and Chinese aggression will only make a deadly global confrontation more likely,” Beyer continued. “This moment is long overdue, and we can only hope that the delay will not result in lasting damage to Ukraine’s war efforts.”

On Israel, Beyer expressed concerns about the necessity of U.S. funding as well as the potential for weapons to be used in a way that inflicts more civilian casualties.

“Unlike Ukraine, Israel simply does not need fiscal assistance from the United States at the level contained in this bill,” Beyer said in a statement. “Israel is a wealthy nation with the ability to borrow, and recently-passed appropriations language provided Israel with $3.8 billion. I support humanitarian assistance and have voted in the past to fund defensive capabilities including Iron Dome, but too much of this funding is likely to pay for weapons that recent history says will lead to more civilian deaths.”

The Congressman’s full statement about the Israel vote is below.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) issued the following statement today on H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

“I have repeatedly condemned Hamas’ horrific attacks since October 7 and steadfastly called for the release of all hostages. Since that day, the United States has provided massive and costly military, intelligence, and diplomatic support to Israel. The Israeli government has unfortunately proven unwilling or unable to match that support by adhering to the laws governing U.S. assistance or adequately responding to concerns raised repeatedly by the Administration. Hamas’ destructive tactics do not absolve our allies from their legal obligations to the U.S. or the international community. We must not sacrifice our humanity or our values to the viciousness of our opponents.

“The IDF campaign in Gaza has resulted in far too many civilian casualties, which significantly undercut claims of rigorous targeting or careful adherence to rules of engagement. Too many well-documented incidents have either gone uninvestigated or resulted in pro forma investigations that do not lead to consequences or corrections. The World Central Kitchen strike unfortunately does not stand out because it represents a rare failure, it was unique because the identity of the victims led to internal consequences within the IDF. The disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighted by the absurdity of the United States airdropping supplies and building a pier while our Israeli allies impede supplies via land crossings and Israeli ports, has only improved in recent weeks due to threats of a change in US policy. This supplemental sends the opposite message.

“Unlike Ukraine, Israel simply does not need fiscal assistance from the United States at the level contained in this bill. Israel is a wealthy nation with the ability to borrow, and recently-passed appropriations language provided Israel with $3.8 billion. I support humanitarian assistance and have voted in the past to fund defensive capabilities including Iron Dome, but too much of this funding is likely to pay for weapons that recent history says will lead to more civilian deaths.

“This bill ties us ever more closely to a Prime Minister who has lost the trust of his people and has demonstrated that he does not deserve ours either. While war has raged in Gaza, the Netanyahu government is engaging in inflammatory tactics in the West Bank and Jerusalem, expanding illegal settlements, and failing to restrain extremist settler violence. They also seem intent on ignoring President Biden’s solid advice to avoid dangerous regional escalation. The Prime Minister in both word and deed has made his opposition to a US-supported two state solution crystal clear. I cannot agree to further assistance that is not tied to verifiable changes in Israeli policy.

“Above all, I am deeply concerned that Israel’s current government is on a path of increasing isolation that jeopardizes Israel’s long term security and is directly at odds with core American values. I cannot in good conscience support this bill, and therefore will vote no.”

Beyer also issued a statement, below, about Ukraine funding.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) issued the following statement today on his vote for H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

“At last Congress is doing the right thing and taking action to fund Ukraine. This should have happened so long ago, and we can only hope that the cynicism of Republican members that caused this delay will not result in lasting damage to Ukraine’s war effort.

“The Ukrainian people did not choose this war, it was begun by a bloodthirsty tyrant who has designs that go far beyond Ukraine. If allowed to expand unchecked, Russian aggression would make a deadly global confrontation more likely. Though some of my colleagues would like to imagine that they can hide from world events, history has shown many times that what happens in Europe and elsewhere in the world affects our national security. Ignoring expansionism is not a strategy to defeat America’s geopolitical foes, it will only empower them.

“I urge the Senate to pass this legislation with all possible speed so that Ukraine can get the help it needs as quickly as possible. I commend the Biden Administration’s work that has been so effective at forging and keeping together the consensus of our allies to support and sustain Ukraine. It is my deepest hope that this victory in Congress, though much delayed, will help to make possible Ukraine’s ultimate victory on the battlefield.”

The bill passed the House today with robust bipartisan support, and is expected to clear the Senate and be signed into law by the President with other national security legislation in the coming days.

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the theft of more than $50,000 worth of luxury handbags stolen from two consignment shops in the city.

On Jan. 26, the owner of Encore Consignment Boutique (119 S. Fairfax Street) reported just after midnight that the front glass door was smashed and that approximately $8,600 worth of luxury handbags and other merchandise were stolen, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit. The business was broken into again on Feb. 28 at around 5 a.m., and approximately $6,300 worth of luxury handbags were stolen.

On Feb. 29 at around 4 a.m., the glass door of Vida Style at 210 N. Lee Street was smashed and the owner reported that $50,000 in luxury handbags and other items were stolen.

Vida Style owner Alicia Valencia told us that the store’s top-shelf bags and jewelry were stolen, and that she had to get a front glass door replaced.

“I don’t think I ever felt more of a spirit of community than after this happened,” Valencia said. “My team and everyone jumped in to help. There was fingerprint dust everywhere, and we cleaned that up and I called Del Ray Hardware and they helped me with their glass guy and the glass in the front door was replaced within an hour.”

The suspect(s) were videotaped driving a black Toyota Sienna minivan with Virginia plates, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Anyone with information on these incidents can contact the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

A little over two years after it opened, Foxtrot in Old Town is closed — swept up in a series of closures affecting all locations in the Washington D.C. area.

The shop was a more upscale version of the typical corner store and cafe. The first D.C. location opened in 2021 and it quickly spread around the region before imploding today.

“It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make,” the company said on Facebook. “After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024.”

The closure affects all 33 Foxtrot locations in D.C. as well as Chicago, Austin and Dallas.

“We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts,” the company said.

Photo via Foxtrot/Facebook

An Alexandria woman was scammed of more than $100,000 from a suspect who claimed to be a representative of the U.S. Social Security Administration, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

The victim received an email last October from an individual claiming to work for SSA informing her that “her account was being suspended due to fraudulent activity and listed a phone number to contact,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

The victim called the number and provided the suspect with her Social Security number and bank account information. No suspect has been arrested, and the incident is under investigation.

SSA said that it will never send emails asking for personal information.

“If someone saying they are from Social Security does email you requesting information, don’t respond to the message,” SSA said. “Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to see whether we really need any information from you.”

A new poll ranked Alexandria’s King Street as one of the best ‘main streets’ in America, though it got beat out by Alexandria’s travel destination rival.

The poll of 3,000 travelers by photo book site Mixbook put Alexandria’s King Street at #7 on the list of America’s Most Charming Main Streets.

According to the site, the street is:

A picturesque blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, serving as the cultural and commercial heart of Old Town. This historic thoroughfare boasts a variety of boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, all set against the backdrop of the Potomac River and cobblestone streets.

The number one main street was King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston often (and very unfairly) beats Alexandria in various travel destination lists.

As some have noted before: these kinds of rankings aren’t exactly scientific surveys and mostly serve as promotions for various sites, but there’s no denying the enduring appeal of King Street. In recent years, some of the blocks close to the waterfront have closed off into pedestrian zones. Though they’re a bit sparse at the moment, the city recently streamlined its planning process to accelerate improvements to those pedestrian zones.

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

❄️ Today’s weather: Frost is expected in some areas before 8am, followed by sunny conditions and a high temperature near 72. A light west wind will shift southward, reaching speeds between 6 and 11 mph in the morning. On Tuesday night, scattered showers are likely after 2am, with clouds increasing and a low temperature of around 55. Southerly winds will blow at 8 to 10 mph, and there’s a 30% chance of precipitation.

🚨 You need to know

The Alexandria Police Department is pushing for funding to create an Alexandria Real-Time Information Center, WUSA9 reported.

The new facility would be a hub for processing data like a registry of doorbell cameras and license plate readers.

WUSA9 reported that there are 16 license plate readers around the city, which have already helped track down one prison escapee, and police said adding more can help with locating stolen vehicles, suspects and missing people.

The Alexandria Police Department is hoping to get $20,000 for the new Real-Time Information Center. That funding was initially set aside to incentivize businesses and homeowners to invest in private security cameras, but WUSA9 reported that a variety of legal hurdles left that idea in limbo.

📈 Monday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 22, 2024.

1. Notes: Starting July 1, all Virginia drivers are required to have vehicle insurance (4512 views)
2. BREAKING: Police investigating suspicious death at Braddock neighborhood apartment building (2400 views)
3. Alexandria seeking community feedback on bike lanes and other changes to West End street (1091 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

• No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

Everything seemed rolled up tight for a legal retail market for cannabis, but a veto from Gov. Glenn Youngkin set those plans ablaze.

Panel program Agenda: Alexandria is meeting tonight (Monday) to discuss the current state of the cannabis market with speakers including Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter and the owner of a dispensary network.

According to the program:

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation this past session to create a retail market for cannabis — Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed this legislation.  The Commonwealth had legalized cannabis for adult possession and cultivation in 2021.

Cannabis is currently legal and available only to treat medical conditions at state-regulated dispensaries. But concerns linger as to the health effects of chronic cannabis consumption and to what extent a black market for cannabis contributes to criminal activity.

The program tonight will tackle what is and isn’t legal now, and whether that should change.

Panelists scheduled to attend tonight are:

• Trent Woloveck — Chief Strategy Director at Jushi, owner of Beyond Hello dispensaries
• Jeremy Preiss Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) Authority’s Chief Officer and Acting Head — Regulatory, Policy, and External Affairs
• Robert B. Nealon, Esq. — Senior Partner of Nealon & Associates, P.C
• Bryan Porter — Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria

The panel discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at the Lyceum (201 S Washington Street). Tickets for non-Agenda Alexandria members are $10. The event can be viewed in person or online.

Photo via Wesley Gibbs/Unsplash

(Updated 2:25 p.m.) The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is investigating a suspicious death at The Bloom at Braddock Apartments on the 900 block of North Henry Street in the Braddock neighborhood.

Communications Manager Tracy Walker said police responded to the building at around 3:26 a.m. for a report of an injured adult man. The man was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased.

Scanner traffic indicated a 50-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest in his apartment after being assaulted in the hallway.

As of 2 p.m., police are still investigating at the building.

According to a release from APD:

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is investigating a suspicious death. At approximately 3:26 a.m., APD officers responded to an apartment building in the 900 block of North Henry Street for a report of an injured adult male. Officers located the man who was transported to the hospital by Alexandria Fire-EMS where he was pronounced deceased.

If you or anyone you know has information that could be helpful to this investigation, please call 703-746-4444. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Detectives are investigating a suspicious death in the 900 block of N. Henry Street. If you have any information please call 703-746-4444, tips can be provided anonymously. pic.twitter.com/ND3r14XGCE

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) April 22, 2024

Image via Google Maps
James Cullum and Vernon Miles contributed to this story