In a notable shift, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has acknowledged the effectiveness of President Donald Trump's initiative to address crime in the capital.
Initially, Bowser expressed apprehension about the President's decision to deploy National Guard troops and take control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to combat escalating crime rates. She described the move as "unsettling and unprecedented." However, the tangible results of this federal intervention have prompted a change in her stance.
According to Fox News, Bowser conceded during a recent press conference that the federal surge has significantly impacted the safety of one of America's most notoriously dangerous cities. She presented data highlighting the positive effects of the increased presence of federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Park Police, and Capitol Police, which have supported the MPD's efforts.
"We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city," Bowser stated.
The mayor cited a striking example of the initiative's success, noting an 87% reduction in carjackings during the 20-day period of the federal surge compared to the previous year. "We know that when carjackings go down, when use of gun goes down, when homicide or robbery go down, neighborhoods feel safer and are safer. So, this surge has been important to us for that reason," she explained.
Bowser elaborated on the positive outcomes of the President's strategy, emphasizing the benefits of increased federal law enforcement presence. "This is what we think in just a couple of weeks of experience has worked," she remarked.
"Having more federal law enforcement officers on the street we think having more stops that got to illegal guns has helped. We think that there is more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior. We know that we have had fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides, and we have experienced an extreme reduction in carjackings."
Despite these successes, Bowser acknowledged certain challenges, particularly the "break in trust between police and community, especially with new federal partners in our community." She criticized the deployment of masked ICE agents in neighborhoods and deemed the reliance on out-of-state National Guard troops inefficient.
The mayor stressed the need for more local police officers, prosecutors, judges, and prevention programs, while advocating for the preservation of local control.
When questioned about President Trump's potential takeover of Union Station, Bowser expressed support for the idea. "The Union Station is owned by the Department of Transportation and it will be a good thing because that station has suffered from needing, some say $12 billion, but lets call it at least $8 billion worth of investment in the renovation," she stated.
Bowser emphasized the station's significance as a regional and national asset, asserting that federal investment in its transformation is appropriate.
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