Crime Rates and Political Maneuvering in Washington, DC
Crime in Washington, DC, is reportedly on the decline—at least according to certain narratives circulating in the media.
In a rather striking incident, Justice Department official Harmeet Dhillon shared her experience of nearly becoming a robbery victim while en route to the DOJ on Tuesday afternoon. Just moments before the attempted robbery, she was conversing with Jordan Conradson, a White House Correspondent for , near the White House. During this encounter, a homeless man verbally confronted both Dhillon and Conradson, demanding her water bottle.
Shortly thereafter, Dhillon recounted, “A malodorous homeless person attempted to swipe my phone today while I was walking in DC back to the DOJ from an appointment — but he was not in his right mind and I artfully dodged the attempt.” As the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Dhillon’s experience seemed to contradict the prevailing narrative of declining crime rates. “It’ll be a while till things feel safe in this city, so everyone stay alert!” she added, underscoring a sense of caution amidst the claims of improving safety.
A malodorous homeless person attempted to swipe my phone today while I was walking in DC back to the DOJ from an appointment — but he was not in his right mind and I artfully dodged the attempt.
It’ll be a while till things feel safe in this city, so everyone stay alert!— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) August 12, 2025
This incident coincided with President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, DC, in response to escalating crime rates. On Monday, the President invoked Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act, placing the Metropolitan Police Department under “direct federal control” and allowing the Secretary of Defense to deploy National Guard troops to the city.
According to Section 740, the President can take control of the police department during “special conditions of an emergency nature.” Following this, Trump signed two executive orders, including one for the federalization of the Metropolitan Police and another directing the Secretary of Defense to mobilize National Guard troops for cleanup operations in DC. He also authorized state governors to utilize their National Guard resources as necessary.
Trump stated, “We will bring in the military if it’s needed,” a remark that highlights the administration’s urgency to address public safety concerns.
This deployment came on the heels of a violent incident involving a homeless worker, Edward Coristine—known as “Big Balls”—who was severely assaulted by a group of assailants. The violent nature of this attack has further amplified calls for immediate action to restore order in the capital.
