Three Republican-led states in the U.S. are set to deploy members of their National Guard to Washington, D.C., to support approximately 800 troops already stationed there by President Donald Trump. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey indicated that he would send 300 to 400 of the state’s National Guard troops at Trump’s request, while South Carolina will contribute 200 troops and Ohio will provide 150 military police, according to their respective governors.
On Monday, Trump declared a “public safety emergency,” asserting that the capital was experiencing “complete and total lawlessness.” However, elected officials in Washington, D.C., have expressed their disagreement with these claims. Over the weekend, hundreds of residents protested against Trump’s enforcement policies, specifically in response to the heightened military presence in the city.
Federal law enforcement agents have been active patroling various densely populated and touristic areas in Washington alongside National Guard troops. D.C. residents, who largely supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, have shown frustration with the current enforcement measures and have reported their concerns about crime in surveys. A recent incident involving a former Trump administration employee, who was attacked in the city, has added to local anxieties.
While Trump has described D.C. as being overrun by violent crime, Mayor Muriel Bowser has rejected these assertions, acknowledging a prior increase in crime during 2023 that has since declined. Data from the Metropolitan Police Department indicates that homicides dropped by 32% between 2023 and 2024, reaching their lowest levels since 2019, and overall violent crime has decreased by 26% so far in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Initially, the Trump administration sought to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act but later rescinded this order amid legal challenges from city officials. A ruling by Judge Ana Reyes stated that Mayor Bowser was required to adhere to White House directives.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv1pmypdyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss