Key Points
- Two 15‑year‑olds charged with unarmed carjacking after attacking Edward “Big Balls” Coristine.
- Coristine, a 19‑year‑old former Neuralink intern, was a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s DOGE.
- The assault occurred around 3 a.m. in Washington’s Logan Circle while Coristine was with a female companion.
- Coristine pushed his companion into the car for safety before confronting the group of roughly ten teens.
- Police arrived after the companion called 911, ending the attack.
- Elon Musk praised Coristine’s bravery on X.
- Donald Trump posted a photo of Coristine on Truth Social, urging harsher penalties for teen offenders.
Background of the Victim
Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, a 19‑year‑old software engineer, previously interned at Neuralink before becoming a notable figure in the Trump administration’s cost‑cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). After leaving DOGE in June, he quickly returned to federal service at the Social Security Administration, where he was tasked with improving the agency’s website.
Details of the Incident
According to local authorities, the incident unfolded around 3 a.m. on a Sunday in Washington’s Logan Circle. Coristine was accompanied by a female friend when a circle of roughly ten teenagers approached their car and made comments about taking it. In response, Coristine pushed his companion into the vehicle to protect her and then confronted the group. The teenagers proceeded to attack Coristine until police arrived, having been summoned after his companion called 911.
Legal Action
Two 15‑year‑old individuals have been charged with unarmed carjacking in connection with the assault on Coristine. The charges stem from the alleged attack and the attempt to seize the vehicle.
Public Reactions
On Tuesday following the incident, Elon Musk praised Coristine for his bravery on his social media platform X. Former President Donald Trump also shared an image of a battered Coristine on Truth Social, using the event to advocate for prosecuting teenagers as young as 14 as adults and to call for “federalizing” Washington.
Source: techcrunch.com