Bowser taps new director to help reduce gun violence in D.C. [Video]

WASHINGTON — After more than a year leading D.C.’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), Mayor Muriel Bowser has tapped Kwelli Sneed to lead the agency that is charged with reducing gun violence in the city.

“Kwelli has the organizational and administrative skills and demonstrated grit through tough times to lead this organization, and we’ve achieved results,” Bowser said during the Friday afternoon announcement.

Bowser pointed at this year’s 35% drop in violent crime and credited Sneed for her role in reducing violence in the District. 

“She has helped the agency achieve a 34% reduction in gun violence in our 25 priority areas,” she said.

Sneed, a native Washingtonian with more than 15 years of experience in D.C. government, says her coordination with the violence interruption groups has been a key priority as she leads the agency. 

“Sitting at the …