Hearing for Suspect in Museum Shooting Delayed; Anti-Gang Proposal Rejected Again; Montgomery Vote on Speed Bumps Postponed

THE DISTRICT

Hearing for Slaying Suspect Delayed

An initial hearing scheduled for today for white supremacist James von Brunn, who is accused of fatally shooting a security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, was rescheduled for next week because von Brunn was not well enough to be released from a hospital.

-- Keith L. Alexander

Anti-Gang Proposal Is Again Rejected

The D.C. Council gave initial approval, 10 to 3, yesterday to a crime bill after members again rejected a proposal that would allow police to arrest and detain suspected gang members.

"I know it's well-intended, but it's ineffective," said council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), adding that the city needs to prevent gang activity through literacy and other social services. Council members Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), David A. Catania (I-At Large) and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), who backed the gang injunctions, dissented on the overall legislation, saying it was a watered-down version of a bill Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) had proposed.

-- Nikita Stewart

Funds Tentatively Backed for Hotel

The D.C. Council unanimously gave initial approval yesterday to an agreement with developers to spend $272 million in public money to expedite the construction of a hotel and adjoining garage at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.