Washingtonians craving safer streets, wary of Trump’s bold agenda
Federal Agents Patrol Washington After Trump Announces Police Takeover
After President Donald Trump declared a federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police force, federal agents began patrolling the capital’s streets the day that a man was shot and killed in a neighborhood known for its high crime rate.
Local Residents React to Trump’s “Lawlessness” Claim
- “It’s sickening,” Tony told AFP early on Tuesday, as he stood at the sidewalk near the scene where a 33‑year‑old man was shot.
- Mike added that “the city does not need the help Trump is sending in—not National Guards.”
- “It’s not safe anymore,” Tony said, echoing the concerns of Ben, a 16‑year‑old walking her dog who felt that the presence of the homeless contributed to a sense of insecurity.
Trump’s Federal Takeover Explained
Trump described Washington as a “wild wild West” that had become “complete and total lawlessness,” but the Department of Justice in January reported that violent crime had recently hit its lowest level in 30 years.
Brianne Nadeau, a member of the city council, wrote to AFP that “the numbers may look different in America than in other parts of the world,” and called the takeover a “political stunt.”
Crime Statistics in Washington, D.C.
- 2023 homicide peak: 274 deaths.
- 2022: 187 homicides.
- One of the highest per‑capita homicide rates in the United States.
Federal Agents Deployed – “Only the Beginning”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that around 850 federal agents were deployed Monday, making 23 arrests. She noted that this was “only the beginning.”
Terry Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, stated that “patrolling will be ramped up.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser Criticizes the Approach
Mayor Bowser said that the delegation “is the wrong way to do it,” adding that “Federal agents do not go out on patrol,” and that “that’s not what they’re trained to do.”
Community Memorial for Victims of Violence
Across the street from the Monday shooting scene, a small memorial honored Turell Delonte, a 30‑year‑old Black man who was shot by police in 2023 after suspected drug trafficking. Flowers circled a wooden structure bearing a photograph of the victim.
As Washington grapples with its crime situation, the federal takeover remains a contentious measure, with residents voicing skepticism over whether it will truly improve safety.
