Winsome Sears says crime in DC was ‘issue’ in Capitals-Wizards arena move

Virginia Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears cheered on the historic tentative move of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals teams to Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Virginia, while also lamenting that Washington, D.C.’s crime wave and safety concerns were a factor in the location change.

“It’s not just about money, but you got to talk about the environment. … What is the surrounding area of the venue?” Sears said to WMAL on Wednesday.

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She added, “If you go to the game and you’re having fun but if you leave the game having to look over your shoulder, that’s an issue.”

According to data from the Metropolitan Police Department, robbery has increased by 69%, violence crime by 40%, and motor vehicle theft by 89% in 2023.

Sears gave credit to Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) for making Virginia a better place to live and do business.

During an appearance on Fox News, Youngkin called the plan to move the teams to Alexandria “very exciting” and “a good deal for Virginia.”

“This announcement this morning I think reflects the fact that companies want to be in Virginia. I mean, we have had Boeing, Raytheon, Lego, and Hilton double down in Virginia. We have had people move to Virginia,” Youngkin said to host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday night.

Democratic Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Wednesday that her “last best offer” of $500 million to revitalize the arena and keep the teams in the district was still on the table.

Bowser downplayed the significance of crime in the decision, saying the historical crime problem was a “blip” and that they are continuing to work on reducing crime.

Some D.C. Council members shared their dismay on the possible move of the Wizards and Capitals to Virginia.

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“I’m deeply disappointed Ted Leonsis has chosen to move the Wizards and Capitals out of the District. It’s the wrong decision for fans and the teams and undermines decades of goodwill, team pride, and community-building,” Councilman Charles Allen said in a statement Wednesday.

Allen added, “Hundreds of thousands of fans have unforgettable memories of their days and nights in and around the arena — from season openers to Stanley Cups. We all have a favorite spot before the game and a go-to bar after. We’ve built traditions there, and our residents have been nothing but devoted to our teams.”