A resident of Washington D.C. mentioned to the Washington Post that the city feels “safe,” yet opted to remain anonymous out of “personal safety concerns.”

On Monday, President Donald Trump revealed plans to deploy the National Guard to D.C. as a response to increasing crime rates, which have sparked widespread discussion online. The announcement came alongside claims that national crime statistics are showing troubling trends. Residents have become particularly alarmed, especially after gunshots were reported over the weekend involving groups of teenagers.

One unnamed individual described D.C. as “safe” but expressed anxiety over gang activity and mentioned feeling uneasy watching surveillance footage. Community members reported seeing teens “wandering the streets” during the weekend.

Locals noted their desire for anonymity due to concerns about personal safety.

“The language Trump uses to describe D.C. is incorrect,” another anonymous resident asserted.

On Saturday, a minor was arrested following a shooting incident in Navy Yard, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This event coincided with Trump’s recent public statements about crime in the capital.

Witnesses described “young people” and gang members, ranging in age from 14 to 16, randomly attacking citizens, causing fear as they commit robberies and assaults. “They know nothing will happen to them, so they’re not afraid of law enforcement, but that’s going to change now!” one resident noted.

In a related statement, Trump shared a photo depicting a “recent victim” sitting on the ground. An MPD report indicated that one of the victims, Edward Colistine, a staff member of the Department of Government Efficiency, was involved in the incident.

Sources say that on August 3, Coristine and another individual were approached while standing by their vehicle. According to a press release from the MPD, they were targeted by a suspect who demanded the car. Concerned for their safety, the victims resisted, causing chaos as the assailant tried to steal the vehicle. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled with several others, though two were ultimately apprehended.

The arrested individuals, both 15 years old from Hyattsville, Maryland, were charged with unarmed carjacking. This incident follows the recent violence that has plagued the city, including the tragic shooting of Republican intern Eric Tarpinian Yachim on June 30, which followed the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members.

While Democrats and various media outlets have reported a 35% drop in crime in 2024, local police data suggests otherwise, as statistics omit serious offenses like felony and aggravated assault. Furthermore, the MPD is investigating Commander Michael Puliam over allegations he altered crime statistics for his area.