A stabbing defendant wants to subpoena President Trump, former Vice-President Kamala Harris as well as other current federal officials as witnesses before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 10.
Aaren Striplin, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 900 block of G Street NW on July 4, 2025. The victim sustained stab wounds to both of their legs.
Striplin’s hearing was initially delayed after US Marshals brought a different defendant with the same last name into the courtroom. Striplin’s attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, said the present defendant was not his client. This resulted in the hearing’s being skipped until Striplin was brought in.
When the hearing was re-called, O’Bryant said Striplin wanted to affirm his decision to go to trial. O’Bryan requested Striplin receive a another mental competency evaluation, though he already been examined at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. After a conversation under seal, Judge Arthur ordered a preliminary competency screening for Striplin.
To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against them and be able to assist their attorney in their defense.
According to O’Bryant, Striplin handed several notes to him of lists of witnesses Striplin would like subpoenaed the president, Harris, Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, and Markwayne Mullin ,the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Judge Arthur acknowledged the request but did not clarify if any action would be taken.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 15.
