WASHINGTON — An employee in D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office has been fired after a violent altercation at the Wilson Building Friday, July 20.
A police report details the disturbance caused by Russell Rowe, a Ward 3 community liaison for Bowser’s office, describing him as “so irate that the officers had to put leg shackles on him.”
Rowe entered the Wilson Building Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. after drinking at a nearby lounge.
Rowe made inappropriate comments toward a woman in the building’s elevator, saying, “I’m going wherever you’re going, so I can get a kiss,” according to the report.
Rowe continued to follow the woman as she exited the elevator. The woman told her supervisor about the situation, who then approached Rowe and asked if he worked in the building.
According to the police report, Rowe then started cursing at the man and tried to punch him but failed to hit him.
The Washington Post reports that a Protective Services Division officer approached Rowe.
Rowe “started cursing and being belligerent” toward the officer, according to the police report.
Once outside the Wilson Building, Rowe continued to curse at the officer and act aggressively. Another Protective Services Division officer grabbed Rowe and they both fell to the ground.
The report states Rowe became angrier and punched the window of a vehicle.
No charges have been filed against Rowe. He was taken to a hospital to treat his lacerated hand.
Bowser’s spokeswoman confirmed with WTOP that Rowe was immediately placed on administrative leave and has received a notice of termination.
