Concerns in D.C. Over National Guard Deployment
This week, some residents in Washington, D.C. expressed skepticism about President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in an effort to curb crime. The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) reached out to locals, gathering a mix of opinions. Many feel that D.C. has become accustomed to its safety measures and are not convinced that the National Guard’s involvement is necessary.
One resident voiced their concerns, saying, “There was no problem… Well, sure, there’s crime; it’s a big city. But there’s no emergency here. Why federate the Metropolitan Police Department?” They went on to question whether the president actually cares about local issues, stating, “If a man becomes a robber, what about the 20 blocks where no one is?”
The President issued a Presidential Order early Monday, declaring a state of criminal emergency in D.C. He announced that the Metropolitan Police Department would be federalized, a move expected to last several weeks. Various statements hint at mobilizing federal forces as part of this initiative.
“We are announcing historical actions to save our country’s capital from crime, bloodshed, and chaos,” Trump said during a press conference. “This is D.C.’s release day, and we’re going to regain our capital. We’re regaining it.”
While Republicans have rallied behind Trump’s actions, Democrats criticized them as “authoritarian” and “political theatre.” They also pointed to statistics suggesting that crime in D.C. is at its lowest rate in 30 years, a claim that the president’s supporters seem to dismiss.
Interestingly, some locals feel that crime statistics are being overlooked, with expressed sentiments indicating that long-term residents don’t feel the sense of crisis that others may perceive. One longtime D.C. inhabitant stated, “I’ve always heard DC has problems, but for those of us who live here, it’s generally safe.” Another added, “I think people just want the deployment bonus for tackling minor issues.”
On a different note, some visitors shared their apprehensions about safety, particularly when going out at night. “I’ve heard a lot about big U.S. cities, so yeah, I’m a bit scared to walk alone,” one visitor remarked. Yet, they acknowledged that seeing more police might boost their sense of security.
This discussion comes amidst several high-profile violent incidents, like the murders of Jewish embassy staff and a Congressional staff member in recent months, which have heightened the conversation around safety in the capital.
In the wake of Trump’s announcement, it is anticipated that 800 National Guard members and 500 federal law enforcement personnel will be deployed. “As President, I have a strict obligation to ensure that our laws are enforced and to protect the safety of those in our capital,” Trump stated, asserting that the current conditions are unacceptable and that D.C. must be one of the safest cities, not the most dangerous.
