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Her son died in 2020 after a police chase ended in a crash, and Trump’s pardon of the officers involved has sparked public outrage.
WASHINGTON — A D.C. press conference took an unexpected turn on Monday when Karen Hylton, the mother of Karon Hylton-Brown, interrupted Mayor Muriel Bowser, demanding answers about the recent pardons of two officers convicted in her son’s death.
Hylton interrupted Bowser as she began speaking about the city’s budget, demanding answers about the controversial pardons granted by President Trump.
"Mayor Bowser, did you tell President Trump that Karon is illegal?" Hylton called out. She then pressed further, stating, "Do you know the pardon of those officers is very much unconstitutional?"
As officers moved in to escort her out, Hylton resisted, saying, "Don't touch me, don't touch me. Do not put your hands on me."
Mayor Bowser attempted to de-escalate the situation, addressing Hylton directly: "Miss Hylton, if you would step outside."
But Hylton refused to back down, pleading, "I tried to talk to you. I tried to ask you. I'm asking you again—did you let him know that the pardon of those officers is unconstitutional?"
Bowser finally responded, stating, "No, Ms. Hylton, I have not talked to the president about your son."
A mother's fight for justice:
Hylton-Brown was killed in 2020 after being chased by D.C. Police for riding a moped on the sidewalk without a helmet. Officer Terence Sutton was convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice in connection with the deadly pursuit, while his supervisor, Lt. Andrew Zabavsky, was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
The case was historic—the first time a D.C. officer had been convicted of murder in the line of duty. Sutton was sentenced to five years in prison, while Zabavsky received a four-year sentence. However, both officers remained free on bond while appealing their convictions.
Trump’s decision to pardon them outraged Hylton and many in the community. The former president defended his actions, describing Hylton-Brown as a “rough criminal” and claiming the officers were jailed “for going after an illegal.”
The move drew mixed reactions. D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George called the pardon “devastating,” while the D.C. Police Union praised it as a correction of “an incredible wrong.”
Since her son's death, Karen Hylton has been a vocal advocate for justice, participating in protests, speaking at events and demanding accountability from city leaders. Her confrontation with Bowser underscores the deep frustration and grief felt by those who see the pardons as an injustice.
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