The federal takeover of Washington, D.C., ordered by President Donald Trump following a declared “crime emergency,” has drawn mixed reactions while reigniting debate over public safety in the nation’s capital. Speaking on-air shortly after the announcement, ABC News anchor Kyra Phillips described her own experience with crime, saying she was assaulted within two blocks of the network’s bureau in recent years. She also cited multiple recent incidents nearby, including shootings and a reported car theft involving a colleague.
Official data from the Metropolitan Police Department indicates violent crime has declined since 2023, with a reported 26% drop compared to 2024. However, the city has still recorded 99 homicides so far in 2025, underscoring ongoing concerns among residents. Questions about data accuracy have also emerged. Police Commander Michael Pulliam is under investigation over allegations of manipulating crime statistics, which he denies.
In the first week of federal control, crime reports showed modest declines, with property crime down 19% and violent crime down 17%. At the same time, federal immigration enforcement surged, with approximately 300 arrests reported — far exceeding typical weekly figures. Federal officials say the operation aims to reduce crime broadly, while critics continue to scrutinize its broader impact on the city.
