The attempted robbery of a Northern Virginia man Monday was the first violent crime on the National Mall in years.
A robbery with a gun occurred two-and-a-half years ago, but only minor cases involving property have been reported until Monday night's crime.
U.S. Park Police Spokesman Sgt. David Schlosser said the commuter was pushed to the ground by two suspects at about 5:15 p.m. while walking through the small park between the Hirschhorn Museum and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, just blocks from the Smithsonian Castle building.
The victim suffered minor injuries. But the incident has but a cloud over the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
"Obviously the concern is crime during the peak of tourism season," Mr. Schlosser said.
The spokesman said detectives are attempting to interviewing witnesses and looking at security video.
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Meredith Somers is a Metro reporter for The Washington Times. She can be reached at msomers@washingtontimes.com.
![Chloe's wounds have healed after a violent attack at her previous home, and the 3-year-old Shih Tzu has found a new home in Fairfax County with veterinarian Abby Dunlap and her family. "[S]he certainly hasn't let it get her down," Dr. Dunlap says.](http://media.washtimes.com/media/image/2013/06/16/6_162013_dog-20130613-015-068201_s75x50.jpg?586bf2ccc87528001b14cd6b516c807c7828d48b)
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