In a decisive move to assert control over crime in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the appointment of a new Emergency Police Commissioner. This appointment supersedes the authority of D.C. Metro Police Chief Pamela Smith, aiming to empower local police to tackle illegal immigration alongside federal authorities and effectively dismantle the city’s sanctuary policies.
The order, titled “Restoring Safety and Security to the District of Columbia,” directly ties into President Trump’s executive actions focused on addressing a crime surge that has plagued the capital. Bondi stressed the urgent need for safety, stating, “Residents of the District of Columbia, the thousands of Americans who commute into the District for work every day, and the millions of tourists from all over the world have a right to feel safe.” Her statement underscores the immediate need for federal intervention in light of rising violence.
Bondi’s remarks articulated the gravity of the situation: “Notwithstanding false media narratives… the danger posed by violent crime in the District is plain for all to see.” She condemned the sanctuary city policies, asserting they “actively shield criminal aliens from the consequences required by federal law,” amplifying public safety risks in a city already under strain from rising crime rates. This indicates a clear shift toward prioritizing federal enforcement over local policies seen as ineffective.
In appointing Terry Cole as the Emergency Police Commissioner, Bondi granted him expansive powers to operate independently of D.C. officials. “Pursuant to section 3 of Executive Order 14333… I hereby order the Mayor of the District of Columbia and the Metropolitan Police Department to immediately implement the following directives,” she stated, signaling a robust strategy to reclaim authority over law enforcement in the district.
The response from local politicians was swift and critical. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb labeled the order “unlawful,” expressing concerns over the implications of Bondi’s directives. This backlash highlights the tensions between local governance and federal authority, particularly in a city grappling with its approach to crime and immigration policies. The reaction from D.C. leaders suggests a pushback against what they see as federal overreach in local matters.
This order marks a significant moment in D.C.’s law enforcement landscape, revealing deep divisions on how to handle crime and immigration. It reflects a determined effort to restore order in a city many believe has been mismanaged under lenient policies, raising questions about the future relationship between federal and local authorities.
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