Trump Administration Increases Federal Law Enforcement Presence in Washington DC to Combat Crime Spike
The federal government will enhance its law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., starting tonight, as announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This decision comes following a recent assault on a prominent former Department of Government Efficiency staffer in the city.
In a statement, Leavitt said, “President Trump has ordered an escalated presence of federal law enforcement to safeguard innocent citizens. From tonight, there will be no sanctuary for violent offenders in D.C. President Trump is resolute on ensuring the safety of our nation’s capital for its residents, lawmakers, and international visitors.”
Previously, CNN reported that the Trump administration had been preparing to boost federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C.
A White House source confirmed to CNN that the increased law enforcement tonight will involve marked units and highly visible federal officers. The increased presence commences at midnight as a seven-day initiative, with potential for extension, according to the source.
The operation will be spearheaded by US Park Police, with participation from US Capitol Police, FBI, US Marshals Service, DC Police, DEA, and other agencies.
According to the official, the focus will be on high-traffic tourist areas and known trouble spots. CNN has reached out to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office for comment.
The White House referenced several high-profile crimes in D.C., including the murder of two Israeli Embassy staff members in May, when announcing the increased presence. However, preliminary year-to-date crime comparisons from DC Police indicate that this year’s crime rates are lower than last year’s, with a 26% decrease in violent crimes as of Thursday, according to the DC Police.
The White House official added that these actions comply with the “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” executive order the president signed in March. This order aims to ensure strict enforcement of all applicable quality of life, nuisance, and public-safety laws, including assault, battery, larceny, graffiti, public intoxication, and more.
On Wednesday, the president hinted at considering his administration taking over the DC Police Department and potentially deploying the National Guard to D.C. due to recent crime escalation. As of now, it is unclear if the National Guard is part of tonight’s mobilization.
Earlier this year, Trump suggested that the federal government should assume control over D.C., stating, “I think we should govern District of Columbia. It’s so important, the DC situation. I think that we should run it strong, run it with law and order.”
This story has been updated with additional details.