Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has acknowledged the impact of a recent surge in federal law enforcement officers in the city, an initiative associated with former President Donald Trump. Bowser noted that there has been a significant reduction in crime rates since the increase in federal presence.
“We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city,” Bowser said, referring to the partnership between federal law enforcement and the Metropolitan Police Department. She highlighted carjackings as one of the most concerning crimes facing Washington, DC in 2023 but stated that these incidents have dropped sharply.
According to Bowser, during the 20 days following what she described as a “federal takeover,” carjackings decreased by 87% compared to the same period last year. Overall crime fell by 15% during this time frame. “We know that when carjackings go down, when use of gun goes down, when homicide or robbery go down, neighborhoods feel safer and are safer, so this surge has been important to us,” Bowser said. She also mentioned her direct engagement with Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles regarding these efforts.
Bowser added that since more federal officers were deployed, there have been increased stops leading to seizures of illegal firearms and greater accountability within the system, which she credited for reducing illegal behavior.
Recent data released by Mayor Bowser’s office shows declines across all major crime categories compared to both last year at this time and the previous 20-day period. Violent crime is reported down by 45%, carjackings by 87%, and overall crime by 15%.
