U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terry Cole, as Washington D.C.’s emergency police commissioner. This move gives Cole the authority and responsibilities typically held by the District of Columbia Chief of Police.
According to a directive issued by Bondi on Thursday evening, “DEA boss Terry Cole will assume ‘powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.’ The Metropolitan Police Department ‘must receive approval from Commissioner Cole’ before issuing any orders,” Bondi said.
The decision follows President Trump’s action to federalize Washington D.C. in response to ongoing violence in the city.
Recently, D.C.’s Police Chief Pamela Smith faced public scrutiny after appearing uncertain about questions regarding the chain of command during a press conference. As reported, “What does that mean?” Pamela Smith asked the reporter as Mayor Muriel Bowser intervened and took over speaking at the event.
Further updates are expected as this situation develops.
