Federal Power Takes Over Local Police in Nation's Capital
In an unprecedented move, the President has announced that he is assuming control over the local police department in Washington, DC, and deploying the National Guard in response to a perceived public safety crisis. This decision comes in the wake of an attack on a former public sector worker.
This action is made possible due to the provisions of the Home Rule Act of 1973, a law intended to balance local autonomy with federal oversight in the capital. While the President can control the police department for a period of up to two days, an extension of this authority would necessitate a notice to Congress or a modification of the law.
Why Now?
The President's decision was prompted by the assault of a 19-year-old ex-public sector worker during a failed carjacking. While the President has frequently expressed concern over a perceived upswing in violent crime in Washington, current crime rates are actually lower than those of the previous year.
The President boldly declared, "Today, Washington, D.C. will be liberated!" Meanwhile, legal representatives of the administration were present in court for a case concerning the legality of the National Guard's deployment in California during protests against immigration raids.
What Does This Mean for the Capital?
Washington, DC's governance operates under the Home Rule Act of 1973, which provides Congress with oversight and authority over the capital while still allowing limited self-governance for district residents. This Act gives emergency powers to the federal government, permitting the president to commandeer the city’s police force for up to 48 hours in the event of an emergency.
This marks the first time a president has invoked this power in the history of the Act. For the President to maintain control beyond this period, he must formally notify the chairs and ranking members of the congressional committees responsible for DC affairs. Any control extending beyond 30 days would require congressional approval and a change in law, which seems unlikely given the current deadlock in Congress.
Local Reactions to the Decision
The Mayor of Washington and leaders of the local police were unaware of the President's plan prior to the announcement. The Mayor voiced her concern during a press conference, describing the move as "unsettling and unprecedented." She suggested that the President's perspective on DC was influenced by his first term experiences when crime rates increased.
However, the local Police Union has expressed support for the move, agreeing that "something needs to be done."
National Guard and Federal Agencies in Action
In addition to assuming control of the local police, the President has also activated 800 National Guard soldiers. Up to 200 of these troops will be assigned to support law enforcement. Their duties will include administrative and logistical roles, as well as providing a physical presence to assist local police.
Aside from the local police department, the President has considerable influence over the city's matters. Numerous federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are based in the city and report directly to the administration. Over the weekend, officers from several federal agencies, including up to 130 FBI agents, were moved to patrol with DC police in various neighborhoods.
Examining Crime Rates
Despite the President's assertion that crime in the city is "out of control," data suggests that violent crime in Washington, DC has been on the decline since its peak in the year 2023, with two years of consistent improvement.
In 2023, there were 274 reported homicides, the highest number since 1997. However, there was a 32% decrease in 2024 to 187, and another 12% reduction this year, with 99 reported so far.
Carjackings have also seen a similar trend. After hitting a peak of 959 in 2023, the number of reported carjackings fell to approximately 500 in 2024, and has decreased even further this year, with only 188 incidents reported so far. The past month witnessed the lowest number of carjackings since May 2020.