- The White House says about 850 officers and agents surged across D.C. on Monday night, resulting in 23 arrests.
- Alleged offenses included homicide, firearms violations, narcotics distribution, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking; six illegal handguns were seized.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser said MPD will work “side by side” with federal partners as the month-long operation continues.
The Big Picture
In a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said approximately 850 federal officers and agents were deployed across Washington, D.C., on Monday night and made 23 arrests. She listed alleged offenses ranging from homicide and gun crimes to narcotics distribution, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking, adding that six illegal handguns were seized. City leaders note that violent crime remains at generational lows even as the federal surge expands.
What’s New
Leavitt said the operation is just beginning and will “relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal in the district” over the next month. She also described an approach to homelessness in which individuals may be transported to shelters and offered addiction or mental-health services; those who refuse could face fines or jail time under existing laws, according to the press secretary. Mayor Muriel Bowser said local police will work “side by side” with federal partners to use the additional resources effectively.
What They’re Saying
Context
President Donald Trump announced he would deploy the National Guard and place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. Supporters frame the move as a push to restore order; critics call it an overreach that undermines home rule and distracts from unrelated political controversies. Bowser, who has maintained a cautious working relationship with the White House, said she intends to maximize the added manpower under MPD Chief Pamela Smith to target problem areas and illegal guns.
What’s Next
The administration plans a month-long surge with continued joint operations among federal agencies and MPD. City officials say they will monitor arrest data, gun seizures, and public-safety indicators to evaluate impact while civil-liberties questions and governance concerns continue to be debated.
The Bottom Line
Federal authorities moved quickly, reporting 23 arrests and multiple gun seizures on the first night. The coming weeks will test whether the surge reduces crime — and whether Washington can balance public-safety goals with local autonomy.
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