Two Teens Charged in Attack on Former DOGE Official Edward Coristine

Two 15-year-old individuals have been formally charged with unarmed carjacking following an alleged assault on Edward “Big Balls” Coristine. Coristine, a 19-year-old software engineer and former Neuralink intern, had previously served as a prominent figure within the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Reports from local authorities indicate that Coristine was with a female companion in Washington’s Logan Circle around 3 a.m. on a recent Sunday. A group of approximately ten teenagers reportedly approached their vehicle, making comments about stealing it. In an attempt to ensure his companion’s safety, Coristine is said to have pushed her into the car before confronting the group. The teens then allegedly attacked Coristine until police arrived on the scene, alerted by his companion who had dialed 911.

Coristine, who departed DOGE in June but later returned to federal service at the Social Security Administration to assist in improving the agency’s website, was the subject of public attention following the incident.

Following the assault, Elon Musk publicly praised Coristine for his bravery on his social media platform, X. Concurrently, former President Donald Trump shared an image of Coristine on Truth Social, using the incident to advocate for prosecuting teenagers as young as 14 as adults. Trump also called for the “federalizing” of Washington D.C. in response to the event.

The legal proceedings have commenced, with the two juveniles facing charges related to the carjacking attempt and subsequent assault.