MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT
OF COLUMBIA
SUBJECT: Implementing Death Penalty Enforcement in the
District of Columbia as a Deterrent Against Severe Crimes
By constitutional authority bested in me as President and pursuant to U.S. law, I direct the following:
Section 1. Introduction. The Federal legal framework stipulates the use of capital punishment for individuals convicted of particularly egregious offenses, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. 3591(a). Capital punishment plays a critical role in our judicial system, functioning as a deterrent against the most heinous crimes that typically entail horrifying violence inflicted upon innocent citizens.
Restoration of Federal capital punishment has been a cornerstone of my Administration since day one, initiated by Executive Order 14164 on January 20, 2025, which aims to Reinstate the Death Penalty and Enhance Public Safety.
This directive gains further significance in light of the public safety dangers faced by our Nation’s capital, as detailed in Executive Order 14333 issued on August 11, 2025, which declared a Crime Emergency within the District of Columbia. My Administration has undertaken a series of effective actions to address this emergency posture, contributing to a notable decline in crime in the area. The diligent enforcement of capital punishment laws is an essential element of this ongoing public safety initiative.
Sec. 2. Capital Punishment Enforcement Guidelines. (a) The Attorney General and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall ensure the rigorous enforcement of Federal laws pertaining to capital punishment within the District by pursuing the death penalty in all cases deemed appropriate, following a thorough evaluation of the evidence and pertinent factors that warrant such a severe sentence.
(b) The Attorney General and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall, whenever feasible, seek Federal jurisdiction for offenses committed within the District that are eligible for capital punishment per Federal statutes.
Sec. 3. General Considerations. This memorandum does not confer any legal or equitable rights or benefits enforceable by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, or its officers, employees, agents, or any other individual.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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