What happened? Between August 11 and 12, 2025, the White House declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., invoked provisions of the Home Rule Act, and ordered the Mayor's Office to make the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) available for federal purposes, with additional support from the National Guard.
Where and when? The measure takes effect in the District of Columbia and was announced publicly on August 12, 2025, with an enhanced security presence in areas such as the National Mall and various neighborhoods.
Who made the decision? The decision was announced by the United States Executive Branch. Operational coordination included federal agencies and the National Guard, in addition to the MPD.
Why? The federal government argued that security problems persist that require exceptional intervention to protect federal facilities, personnel, and visitors.
Legal Framework. The Home Rule Act provides that, under special conditions, the President may request the services of the MPD for federal purposes for a limited period, subject to temporary controls that require congressional intervention for extensions beyond the initial term.
Crime data. According to official figures released by reliable sources, 2024 closed with a significant decrease in violent crime compared to 2023, and so far in 2025, additional declines have been observed in several categories, although challenges such as vehicle theft remain.
Local perception. Residents' accounts, interviewed by the press, describe daily life without a general sense of threat and question the need for a military deployment in the city.
Reaction from local officials. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called the measure unusual and expressed concern about its scope, rekindling the debate over the District's autonomy and statehood.
Field operation. In the first few days, combined patrols and arrests were reported at various locations, as part of an expanded surveillance plan announced by authorities.
Key to the debate: The contrast between the "crisis" narrative and official crime figures is the focus of public debate: while aggregate figures show declines, the federal government emphasizes specific crime categories to justify intervention.
The following: The continuation of federal control beyond the initial period depends on decisions by Congress, in accordance with the oversight mechanisms provided for in applicable legislation.
Project Editor's Note: This news story is limited to verified facts, official data sets, and public statements from authorities and residents, without including political assessments or speculation.