On Thursday evening, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Terry Cole, Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will serve as Washington’s new emergency police commissioner. Under Bondi’s order, Cole will have “all powers and duties vested in the chief of police,” and MPD leadership will be required to obtain his approval before issuing any orders.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb immediately rejected the move, stating that the order violates the District’s Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants the city limited self-governance.
“This order cannot be followed,” Schwalb wrote in a memo to Police Chief Pamela Smith. “MPD must continue to follow your lawful directives—not those of a federal official who was not appointed by the mayor.”
Mayor Bowser and City Leaders Push Back
Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized on social media that “there is no statute that conveys the district’s personnel authority to a federal official.”
On Friday morning, Schwalb confirmed that the District has filed suit in federal court to block the takeover, calling it “the gravest threat to D.C. home rule ever faced.”
The Home Rule Act allows a U.S. president to assume control of local law enforcement for up to 30 days during emergencies, but an extension requires Congressional approval. President Trump has not confirmed whether he will seek such approval.
National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.
Alongside the commissioner appointment, the White House announced the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to assist with law enforcement duties. FBI agents are also working in coordination with local and federal agencies.
According to the White House, Guard members are:
Protecting federal buildings and assets
Assisting with traffic and crowd control
Providing a visible deterrent to violent crime
National Guard Maj. Micah Maxwell said troops have been trained in de-escalation tactics and will not be making arrests. Instead, they will focus on safety support, allowing law enforcement to conduct arrests where necessary.
Humvees have been stationed in high-traffic areas such as Union Station and the National Mall, while troops patrol near landmarks and government buildings.
Crime Data Dispute
While Trump cites a need to address violent crime in Washington, D.C., city data shows a significant decline in homicides, assaults, and robberies between 2023 and 2024.
Experts point out that the city’s current crime levels are far lower than the violent peaks of the late 1980s and early 1990s during the crack cocaine epidemic.
Homeless Encampments Targeted
Another part of the crackdown involves removal of homeless encampments in downtown D.C.
On Thursday night, U.S. Secret Service and FBI agents made multiple arrests near one such site:
29 people for immigration violations
Others for drug distribution, possession, or carrying a concealed weapon
While many unhoused residents voluntarily packed their belongings with the help of charity workers, advocates warn that forced removals may begin in the coming days.
A garbage truck was seen idling nearby, but most items were not immediately discarded.
Unusual Federal Employee Arrest
In a separate incident, the Justice Department confirmed Thursday that a staff member was fired and charged after allegedly throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer during a heated exchange in downtown D.C.
Court documents say Sean Charles Dunn approached a group of CBP agents late Sunday night, verbally confronted one officer, and then threw a “sub-style” sandwich at his chest. A bystander’s video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
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