Trump administration's legal counsel Harmeet Dhillon, of Indian origin, escapes close call with theft in vicinity of the White House during DC's ongoing clampdown
In the heart of Washington DC, a tense atmosphere has been building as the city grapples with rising tensions and a perceived increase in crime. Amidst this backdrop, Harmeet Dhillon, the Indian-American Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, found herself in a harrowing situation.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (IST), Dhillon was walking back to the Department of Justice from an appointment when she was targeted by a homeless man who attempted to mug her, stealing her phone[3][5]. The incident occurred near the White House, specifically next to the NY Ave Presbyterian Church[2].
Fortunately, Dhillon was able to react quickly and avoid the mugging[6]. She later confirmed on social media that she was unharmed[1][5].
The incident comes amidst a crime crackdown in Washington DC, spearheaded by President Trump who has threatened to federalize the city due to concerns about crime[4]. Trump has previously expressed his views on crime in Washington DC, mentioning an alleged attack on Elon Musk's former DOGE employee Edward Coristine in the city[4].
However, Democratic DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has dismissed Trump's claims of violence slipping out of control in the city[7]. Despite the Mayor's reassurances, the situation in Washington DC has led to protests against Trump's actions[10].
In response to the rising tensions, 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement agents are expected to be deployed to the city[8]. The deployment of troops was announced on Wednesday (US time)[9].
It's important to note that according to the Washington DC's Metropolitan Police, overall violent crime has gone down 26% and robbery is down 28% in 2025 compared to the same period last year[11].
The incident near the White House serves as a stark reminder for residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant about their safety in the city. Dhillon's quick thinking and swift action have set an example for everyone to follow.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/13/politics/harmeet-dhillon-mugging-attempt-washington-dc/index.html [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/2025/08/13/dhillon-mugging-attempt-near-white-house/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/us/politics/dhillon-mugging-attempt-washington-dc.html [4] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-threatens-to-federalize-washington-dc-due-to-concerns-about-crime [5] https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/dhillon-escapes-mugging-attempt-in-washington-dc-130242766456 [6] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dhillon-escapes-mugging-attempt-in-washington-dc/ [7] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/13/bowser-trump-crime-washington-dc-407563 [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/national-guard-troops-deploy-washington-dc-amid-crime-concerns-2025-08-13/ [9] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/13/us-national-guard-troops-deploy-streets-washington-dc/ [10] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/13/us/washington-dc-protests-trump-crime-crackdown/index.html [11] https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/2025/08/13/washington-dc-crime-statistics-2025/
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