Regional News Briefs

THE DISTRICT

Bishop's Residency Questioned in Gay Marriage Fight

Two District residents are challenging Bishop Harry Jackson's qualifications to lead the fight against a D.C. Council bill to legalize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Cary Silverman, president of the Mount Vernon Association, and Martin Moulet, president of the Convention Center Community Association, say Jackson is ineligible to seek a referendum because he lives in Maryland.

"This is a matter of principle. We don't want residents of other states interfering with our laws," Silverman said.

The challenge follows a Washington Blade report raising questions about Jackson's residency. He registered to vote in the District on April 22, after the council approved the legislation on first reading. His District residence is a one-bedroom apartment he shares. Jackson also remains registered to vote in Montgomery County, where he owns two homes, according to property records. In a recent interview, Jackson, pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, said he's a legal D.C. resident with a valid driver's license.

Last week, the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics blocked the opponents' efforts to get a referendum onto the ballot. The group, led by Jackson, is appealing that decision in Superior Court.

-- Tim Craig

Arrests Made in Two Fatal Shootings in Northwest

D.C. police announced arrests yesterday in two homicides.

Troy Renard Thomas, 18, of the 3000 block of Third Street NW was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in the shooting Monday of Ryan Randy Trotman in the 600 block of Quebec Place NW.

In the other case, Robert Larry Brock, 28, of Beltsville has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in the shooting of Marcus Robertson on May 15 in Columbia Heights.