Trump Addresses Violence at Cabinet Meeting

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Donald Trump provided White House correspondents with an opportunity to discuss recent incidents of violence in Washington, D.C.

Since the federal takeover of the capital, which was announced on August 11th, National Guard and federal law enforcement officials have been actively patrolling the area as the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) battles local crime. NTD White House correspondent Iris Tao shared her harrowing experience after being called upon by Trump during the meeting.

“My name is Iris Tao, and I’m a White House correspondent for NTD, which is affiliated with the Epoch Times,” she recounted. “About two years ago, on a Saturday morning, a young man wearing a black ski mask pointed a gun at me and demanded my phone, wallet, laptop, and other belongings. When I refused, he became aggressive, hitting me in the face.”

Tao expressed how the incident has deeply affected her and her family. “I’ve found it incredibly difficult to walk the streets of D.C. since then. My family was really worried about me, so I appreciate what you’re doing, President,” she said.

Edward Coristine, a staff member from the government’s Office of Efficiency, was severely injured trying to prevent a carjacking in August. Additionally, Eric Tarpinian Yachim, an intern for Kansas Republican Rep. Ron Estes, lost his life in a shooting on June 30th.

Reflecting on her experience, Tao noted the terrifying nature of the encounter, as she thought about how easily the situation could have ended in a shooting. “It’s astonishing that I didn’t get shot,” she remarked, and Trump confirmed the accuracy of her account. Tao concluded, “I feel blessed to be able to share my story today, not just to highlight my survival, but to advocate for a safer D.C.”

Since Trump initiated action to address crime in Washington, there have been 1,094 arrests and 115 firearms seized, as noted in a post by Attorney General Pam Bondi.