Arrests Surge in Washington, D.C., Amid Federal Crime Crackdown

President Donald Trump’s federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., has resulted in over 1,000 arrests, marking 12 consecutive days without a murder, according to U.S. lawyer Janine Piro.

Piro reported that 86 arrests and the seizure of 10 illegal firearms occurred just on Sunday. In total, there have been 1,007 arrests and 111 firearms confiscated throughout the operation.

“This indicates that these weapons can’t be used to harm anyone,” Piro stated on “Fox & Friends,” expressing optimism that residents feel safer under the current administration’s protection.

Right now, some National Guard members are armed in the capital.

Piro commended Trump’s decision to mobilize federal resources to enhance public safety in the city. “Washington, D.C., has faced severe violence, yet with Trump’s commitment and the involvement of federal partners, we are seeing unified action that truly makes a difference,” she noted.

Interestingly, this marks the 12th day without a murder out of 101 recorded this year in the District.

FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that among the arrests on Sunday, five were connected to drug operations carried out by the FBI.

Piro also directed criticism towards Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who, according to her, has seen only nine arrests related to federal operations.

In response, Johnson expressed his concerns about the possibility of similar federal interventions in Chicago, labeling Trump’s efforts as “uncoordinated and confusing.”

Nonetheless, Piro maintained that the crackdown in Washington is effective and serves as a deterrent to crime.

She emphasized the community’s relief, suggesting that the increased law enforcement presence makes individuals think twice about committing crimes. “People are grateful; they feel a sense of responsibility and fear to act out,” she explained. “Johnson should really hope that Trump comes to Chicago to help manage the unrest there.”

Statistics show that Chicago has struggled with violence for over a decade, reporting 573 murders in 2024 alone.

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order focusing on federal crimes in D.C., instructing police to take federal custody of suspects to eliminate cashless bail scenarios.

The President is also taking steps to end cashless bail altogether, threatening to withdraw federal funds from jurisdictions that implement it.

Recent data from the D.C. National Guard displays the units actively deployed in the city, with various troops armed and engaged in patrols.

Earlier this month, Trump revitalized National Guard operations in D.C. to combat violent crime, targeting gang-related activities, robbery suspects, and unlawful immigrants.

The initiative began on August 7 when Trump established the “safe and beautiful” task force via an executive order. An escalation followed on August 11, when he temporarily took over the metropolitan police station using emergency powers—an unprecedented action in U.S. history.

Working alongside the National Guard and the FBI, this crackdown has prompted involvement from several federal agencies, including the ATF, DEA, Capitol Police, and Park Police.