Lawyer Norfolk Commonwealth responds to shopping order proposal

Norfolk, va. – During the state address of Norfolk on Friday, Mayor Kenny Alexander said violent offenses, including homicides, are in Norfolk.

Alexander has announced that his administration is working on an ordinance that will allow the city to sue the shopping.

“A correct and fair justice system must ensure that criminal behavior, including retail theft, has adequate consequences for maintaining public safety,” Alexander said. “Applying this offense in accordance with the city code will allow Norfolk to take measures where it does not have the Commonwealth.”

Lawyer Norfolk Commonwealth, Ramin Fatehi, who is currently applying to keep his position, responded to the mayor’s announcement.

Fatehi said that his office has pursued hundreds of shopping cases during the year, with a decrease reported by 11% in 2025, compared to the same period of 2024.

He emphasized his office’s commitment to respond to criminals.

“I don’t think an 18 -year -old should be a way for shopping food,” Fatehi said. “I think a crime bearing up to 12 months in prison is more than sufficient sanction.”

“If the mayor believes that this is a problem, the easy solution is to pay my lawyers and give me the lawyers to do my job,” added Fatehi.

Fatehi has suggested that the mayor’s comments can be politically motivated, especially since they are facing John Butler in the next race for lawyer Norfolk Commonwealth.

The mayor also revealed some new details about major development projects. He has provided some updates, including information about the Military Circle Mall, which has been closed for more than two years.

Mayor Alexander said the city of Norfolk will work to build a wellness and fitness center at the former military circle mall. He mentioned that he would serve as an anchor for future mixed use developments.

Alexander also said the project will include a community library. This would mark the second unit of its kind in Norfolk, following the one planned in Wards Corner.

In addition, Alexander mentioned that a new hub for sports tourism is planned for the Circle Mall military site, the city partnership with a Fairfax company to develop the installation.

“At the end of the day, the quality of life and the welfare of the community remains a main priority,” Alexander said.

The mayor also announced that the city teams with HG 80 developers to develop the Macarthur Center. This project, which Alexander announced last year, will transform the mall for the most part into a shopping space, hotel and residential with mixed use. HG 80 developers are responsible for planning projects in Maryland.