DISTRICT BRIEFING

'D.C. MADAM' Case

Suspect Says She Has National Security Details

The alleged "D.C. madam" is arguing in court papers that the fact that Muslim men used her escort service before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks might have played a role in the government's effort to prosecute her.

Deborah Jeane Palfrey is predicting that she might need to divulge classified information that has sensitive national security implications -- perhaps including the identities of Middle Eastern customers -- to defend herself against racketeering charges. She is asking a federal judge for a secret hearing to discuss the information.

Prosecutors, who have charged Palfrey with running an illegal prostitution ring in the District from 1993 to 2006, have declined to comment on Palfrey's claims.

-- Carol D. Leonnig

NORTHEAST CRIME

3 Men Hurt in Reported Drive-By Shooting

Three men were wounded last night in a reported drive-by shooting near North Capitol Street and Randolph Place NE, police said.

The victims -- 18, 22 and a third whose age was not known -- were treated at Washington Hospital Center for injuries to the extremities that did not appear to be life-threatening. The three arrived at the hospital in a private vehicle shortly after 7 p.m., police said.

Witnesses told police that three or four males in a car, possibly a charcoal gray Dodge Stratus, fired shots at the victims before speeding away. No arrests had been made last night.