In an interview with the GW Hatchet, Councilmember Pinto spoke about her legislative and community goals for the next four years. In addition to supporting COVID recovery efforts and criminal justice reform, combatting homelessness, and supporting small and local businesses, Councilmember Pinto aims to build a stronger, more connected Ward 2 community.

I am writing to share information about the District’s vaccine distribution plan. Many of you have contacted our office with questions, so I want to make sure you have access to this information as soon as possible. I have been working closely with DC Health to share information about the availability of the vaccine.

At 12:00 noon today, Monday, January 11, the District will open a vaccine registration portal for District residents age 65 and older. If you are not in this priority category, please refrain from registering for a vaccine at this time. If you previously registered, you will need to do so again, even if you have received a confirmation of your previous registration. A call center will also be managing the appointments, not 311. The call center can be reached at 855-363-0333. Please note, you will not be able to receive the vaccine from your primary care provider. Instead, your appointment will be made at one of the Vaccine Centers located throughout the city. You can learn more about the Vaccine Centers by visiting https://vaccinateqa.dc.gov/vaccine-centers/. Vaccines will be free and no Medical card or proof of insurance is necessary; just show up with a face mask at the time of your appointment.

I began this week with great resolve and a sense of pride as I started my first full term as the Ward 2 Councilmember. I want to thank the residents of Ward 2 for placing their faith in me to execute a vision that will help our ward and city to grow stronger and more equitable. I am also enthusiastic to report that I will be serving on four committees this Council Period: Judiciary and Public Safety; Business and Economic Development; Housing and Executive Administration; and Government Operations and Facilities. Please note: a curfew will not be in effect through the public emergency. This extension authorizes the Mayor to utilize public emergency resources and call for a curfew if circumstances require it. We are also working to get to the bottom of the actions of the United States Capitol Police yesterday to investigate how this unlawful entrance, demagoguery, and destruction were able to occur in one of the most heavily armed and protected buildings in the world.

I know many of us are scared and horrified by yesterday’s attack on the Capitol. The actions of these insurgents and the behavior of President Trump are abhorrent and reprehensible. I implore the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the United States Attorney’s Office, and the District’s Office of the Attorney General to pursue action against those responsible for yesterday’s attacks to the fullest extent of the law. To protect District residents and visitors over the next two weeks and ensure maximum safety ahead of the Presidential inauguration, Mayor Bowser has extended the current public emergency by 15 days. Our first priority will always remain to keep District residents safe, and I will always fight to keep our communities safe, and I remain grateful to have you as a neighbor as we stand in solidarity against hate and lies and stand up for democracy.

Mayor Bowser has issued a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia from 6:00 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, January 6, until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7.

I want to ensure you have all of the information you need to keep yourselves, your families, and your neighbors safe during demonstrations planned in DC this week.Yesterday, the Council of the District of Columbia, joined by Acting Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Robert Contee, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Rodriguez, and DC Attorney General Karl Racine for a briefing on the first amendment activities being held in Ward 2, in the downtown area this week. A number of federal permits have been approved by the National Park Service including on Freedom Plaza, the Ellipse, and around the National Monument. We expect hate groups, white supremacists, and members of militia groups will be in attendance and have stated their plans to sow division and cause chaos in our city. Please find information on street closures and parking restrictions below effective today, Tuesday, January 5, 2021- Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

This Saturday, I was sworn in to serve a full four-year term to represent the residents of Ward 2.I would like to thank all of you for once again placing your faith in me to lead during this time. My team and I look forward to working on your behalf and alongside the many community partners who will help us to make Ward 2 a great place to live, work, and visit. I would also like to thank DC Attorney General Karl Racine for administering my oath of office during the ceremony.

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, Brooke Pinto was sworn in to the office for a four-year term as the Ward 2 Councilmember. "I pursued this office with the desire to provide solutions to our greatest challenges. This year has shown that government—especially local government—is a vital actor in preserving and protecting its people. I believe that government not only can use its resources to improve lives, but it has the moral obligation to do so. This oath of office renews my commitment to serve the residents of Ward 2 and the entire District of Columbia with fervor, integrity, compassion, and respect," said Councilmember Pinto in her remarks.

Dear Neighbors, As I reflect on 2020, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of Ward 2 in what has been an incredibly challenging year. We began this journey together just six short months ago, right as I was sworn into office following the special election of June 2020. Upon entering office, we were faced with a global health pandemic unlike any other in recent times, the task of passing a balanced budget amidst revenue shortfalls, and providing relief to families, students, workers, and businesses who needed it most.