Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser praised President Donald Trump's decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers to the capital. "We greatly appreciate the decision to add police officers, strengthening the city's police department," Bowser said at a press conference on 27/8.
She emphasized the significant drop in car thefts and robberies, crimes she called "the most haunting" in Washington in 2023. In the 20 days since federal authorities took over security in the capital, carjackings decreased by 87% compared to the same period last year, and overall crime fell by 15%.
"Carjackings, gun use, homicides, and robberies are all down. The community is safer, and people feel more secure. This security surge has been very meaningful," Bowser said, adding that she is in regular contact with Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
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FBI agents, federal agents, and Washington police patrol the streets on the evening of 10/8. Photo: Reuters |
FBI agents, federal agents, and Washington police patrol the streets on the evening of 10/8. Photo: Reuters
Mayor Bowser confirmed she spoke directly with Trump that day but declined to provide details.
Bowser also declined to comment on whether the president might extend the federal law enforcement deployment in Washington beyond 30 days. "We want local control over our public safety system, including decisions about officer deployments. After 30 days, the city will still need more police, but those officers need to come from agencies we regularly partner with, like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)," she said.
To address the root causes of crime in Washington, Bowser asserted that the Metropolitan Police Department needs to hire at least 500 more officers in the next few years. Police Chief Pamela Smith added that the federal support has been significantly helpful and could be a long-term solution whenever crime rates spike.
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Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser holds a press conference on 27/8. Photo: Reuters |
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser holds a press conference on 27/8. Photo: Reuters
However, the mayor expressed disapproval of the decision to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and National Guard troops from other states to the capital. "What is not effective is the disruption of trust between the police and the community, especially with the presence of masked ICE agents and National Guard troops from other states," Bowser stated.
According to White House data, since the operation began on 7/8, police and federal forces have arrested 1,170 people, including 40 undocumented immigrants with extensive criminal records. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Americans expect their leaders to prioritize safety over politics.
"President Trump's decisive action has quickly reduced violent crime and removed over a thousand criminals from the capital's streets," Rogers emphasized.
Thanh Danh (NBC, AP)
