Kelly Williams, a 52-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The indictment includes seven counts related to an armed attack that occurred on January 12, 2025, outside the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The charges against Williams include assault with intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, aggravated assault while armed, among other offenses. Her arraignment is set for March 27, 2025.
According to evidence presented by the government, on January 12, Williams allegedly followed a tourist from New Zealand as she walked past the museum. She reportedly attacked the victim from behind, pulling her to the ground and punching her in the face. During this incident, it is alleged that Williams used a knife in an attempt to slash the victim’s neck while she tried to defend herself. The attack resulted in a serious facial wound for the victim requiring approximately 40 stitches and was reportedly stopped only after intervention by bystanders.
The investigation into this case was conducted by both the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel Hampton is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that an indictment is simply an allegation at this stage; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
