Trump initiates control over Washington's law enforcement agencies as National Guard troops deploy
The nation's capital is currently under the watchful eye of nearly 2,000 National Guard troops, who have been authorized to carry weapons as they support local law enforcement in maintaining public safety. This deployment, managed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of an uneasy partnership between city's police, federal officials, and the Trump administration to reduce crime.
The troops are primarily focused on crowd control, patrolling, and responding to safety concerns. They are present in various parts of the city, including neighborhoods and landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station. Their presence is intended to reassure the community that the military cares about the city's safety and well-being.
However, the deployment has been managed with some tension. Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the federal and presidential orders to increase the armed National Guard presence and federal control over policing in D.C., calling it an "armed militia in the Nation's Capital." Bowser has highlighted the city's own success in reducing violent crime, with Ed Martin, Trump's original choice for US attorney for the District of Columbia, acknowledging a 25% drop in violent crime rates in a press release earlier this year.
Despite these successes, Trump's newly confirmed top federal prosecutor for Washington, Jeanine Pirro, argues that violent crime remains a significant issue and emphasizes the importance of addressing illegal gun violence. The federal government has assumed increased control over law enforcement in D.C., including appointing federal officials to oversee operations.
This intervention has been intensified by the deployment of additional Guard troops from several states, marking a significant escalation in security presence. President Donald Trump announced he would be activating the National Guard members and taking over the District's police department temporarily. The administration expects National Guard members to be on the streets starting Tuesday night.
Local D.C. officials have expressed opposition to this federal intervention. About 850 officers and agents fanned out across Washington on Monday and arrested 23 people overnight. However, the Army has not provided specifics on the locations where National Guard members will be patrolling.
The law allows Trump to take over the DC police for up to 30 days, though it may be extended with Congressional approval. This deployment fits the pattern of Trump's second term in office, allowing him to rule via executive order on various issues. The US Park Police has removed 70 homeless encampments over the last five months, and the Black Lives Matter Plaza was dismantled earlier this year, symbolizing a shift in power dynamics between the two executives.
Residents' reactions to the deployment vary. Tom Power, a resident of the Logan Circle neighborhood, has never felt threatened by crime in the city. However, Washington native Sheina Taylor feels more fearful due to the presence of National Guard troops in the city.
References:
- National Guard to patrol Washington streets, carry weapons
- Trump orders deployment of 1,600 National Guard troops to Washington
- Trump invokes emergency powers to deploy National Guard to Washington
- Trump activates DC National Guard, deploys 800 troops amid protests
- National Guard members in D.C. can carry weapons if their mission requires it, Defense Secretary says
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