Lawyers for Johnny Piro, representing the District of Columbia, expressed concerns on Monday night regarding President Trump’s recent deployment of the National Guard in Washington, labeling the crime situation in the capital as “terrifying.”
Piro explained during an appearance on FOX News with Sean Hannity that this move was a response to the escalating crime crisis. “President Trump has mobilized the National Guard, ATF, DEA, and FBI to send a clear message to criminals that we’re monitoring them,” she said, adding, “We’re going to hold them accountable, but make no mistake, Sean, this is just the beginning.”
On the same day, Trump announced that the Department of Justice would oversee the Metropolitan Police District in DC, stating that about 800 National Guard personnel would contribute to efforts aimed at reducing crime.
“I have deployed the National Guard to restore law, order, and public safety in Washington, D.C., and they are empowered to perform their duties effectively,” Trump remarked during a press conference at the White House.
Statistics indicate that violent crime in DC has decreased by 26% in 2024, with murders dropping by 32% compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police commander Michael Puliam is under investigation after being placed on paid leave in May due to allegations that he altered crime statistics in his district, as reported by NBC4 last month.
Piro referred to the day as one of “liberation,” aiming to engage law-abiding citizens both in DC and nationwide. She emphasized that “we will not tolerate rampant crime in our nation’s capital.”
“This is the shining city on a hill that our forebears envisioned,” she added.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with other Democrats, criticized Trump’s actions as “unsteady and unprecedented,” although she noted it wasn’t unexpected.
The president’s initiative operates under the provisions of the city’s Home Rules Act, which grants the nation’s capital some measure of autonomy over local matters, a law enacted by Congress in the 1970s.
Additionally, Trump has appointed Drug Enforcement Director Terry Cole to oversee the federal management of the Metropolitan Police Department.
