Ward 2 Democrats Statement on the Federal Takeover of MPD

Dear Democrats:

The Ward 2 Democrats reject President Donald Trump’s unprecedented attempt to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deploy the National Guard in the District of Columbia. This federal takeover is a dangerous overreach that strikes at the heart of the District’s already limited home rule.

Let’s be clear: there is crime in DC as in any American city. However, there is no “crisis” to justify such an intrusion. On the contrary, crime in DC was dropping dramatically before the Administration took office — major crime is down 35% since last year, reaching the lowest levels in over three decades. Homicides have fallen 12%, robberies are down 28%, and overall violent crime is down 26%. Public safety in the District is improving, not collapsing.

Regardless of the rhetoric, this is NOT about public safety. It’s about stripping 700,000 taxpaying residents of their right to self-govern. Congress has already cut $1 billion from our budget — gutting public safety, affordable housing, education, and emergency services. Restoring our budget and filling the judicial vacancies representing 20% of the full bench (as of July 18, per the Judicial Nomination Commission) will do more for public safety than the theatrics witnessed today.

The 700,000 residents of this city are not Trump’s political pawns. The District won’t stand for it. Join Ward 2 Democrats in setting the record straight, see the stats for yourself. Visit the DC Crime Cards site at https://crimecards.dc.gov or the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s JSAT tool at https://jsat.cjcc.dc.gov.

Ward 2 Democrats