[cowsup]

You’re correct. I live near DC and travel there for photography (much like the novice pilot in the OP).

If you’re flying near DC, or anywhere really, you should at least have a broad understanding of where you cannot fly. That is your responsibility; nobody in your ear will say “remember, don’t go to the restricted airspace.”

The pilot never claims to be the victim here, either. They screwed up and learned their lesson.