Guide Note

Conservative columnist Robert Novak reportedly hit a 66-year-old pedestrian with his black Corvette sports car in downtown Washington, D.C. on the morning of July 23, 2008. According to bicyclist David Bono, Novak allegedly hit the pedestrian and drove off without stopping. Bono later allegedly chased Novak down and prevented him from leaving until police arrived at the scene.¹

Fast Facts

1. Time of incident: Approximately 10 a.m.¹
2. Location of incident: 18th and K Street NW, Washington, D.C.¹
3. Name of pedestrian: Don Clifford Liljenquist²
4. Pedestrian hospitalized for minor injuries¹
5. Bicyclist who stopped Robert Novak: David Bono¹
6. Novak's car: Black Corvette convertible¹
7. Novak has reputation for being aggressive behind the wheel¹
8. Novak reportedly attended race car school in Florida¹

According to Bono, there was "no way" that Novak could not have known that he hit someone because the pedestrian was "splayed onto" the windshield of his Corvette. The pedestrian, who was hospitalized with minor injuries, was reportedly crossing the street with a walk signal when he was hit. Police who arrived on the scene cited Novak for failure to yield.¹

"He's not dead, that's the main thing."—July 23, 2008, after hitting pedestrian.¹

"I really hate jaywalkers. I despise them. Since I don't run the country, all I can do is yell at 'em. The other option is to run 'em over, but as a compassionate conservative, I would never do that."—In a 2001 column.¹