Trump posts on Truth Social about anti-crime efforts in DC

Trump posts on Truth Social about anti-crime efforts in DC

President Donald Trump has declared Washington, D.C., a "crime-free zone," just 12 days after placing the city under federal control. In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted arrests, firearms seizures, and a drop in major crimes, including gang-related and firearm violations. About 800 National Guard troops and federal agents were deployed, resulting in over 700 arrests and 91 illegal firearms seized, reflecting a significant crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital [3].

Trump's declaration comes after he invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control. The move was part of his response to a public safety emergency in the city [1]. Over two weeks ago, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had declared D.C. a "crime-free zone," citing updates and data showing a substantial increase in enforcement activity [1].

According to Trump's posts, within the first 13 days, federal authorities reported around 550 arrests and preliminary MPD data showed a 40% drop in robberies and auto break-ins. By Aug. 24, aggregated data indicated over 700 arrests and 91 illegal firearms had been seized, showing a substantial uptick in enforcement activity [1, 4].

The president also mentioned specific arrests, including an El Salvadorian national and MS-13 gang member, two "drivers of violence" arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, and individuals arrested for assault on federal officers and threats against the president [1].

Sen. Marsha Blackburn criticized Democrats who make "villains out of law enforcement" in response to Trump's declaration [1]. The deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops has been a contentious issue, with some criticizing the move as a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to improve public safety [2].

References:
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/us/trump-declares-dc-crime-free-zone-amid-his-federal-crackdown
[2] https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Trump+Calls+for+RICO+Charges+Against+George+Soros+in+Truth+Social+Post
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/crime-free-zone-trump-declares-dc-safe-after-federal-control-highlights-crackdown-and-arrests/videoshow/123632859.cms
[4] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-declares-dc-crime-free-001305213.html