Police and federal officers have made 465 arrests in Washington, D.C., since President Donald Trump ordered a federal takeover of the city’s policing on August 11, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Bondi said the arrests included homicide, narcotics, and firearms charges. A total of 68 firearms have been seized, with nearly half of the arrests occurring in Wards 7 and 8, east of the Anacostia River — areas known for high rates of violent crime.
On the night of August 18 into August 19 alone, police made 52 arrests and seized nine guns, including weapons from suspected MS-13 gang members, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
Federal and local authorities also cleared 48 homeless encampments, including four on August 19.
Trump Declares “Liberation Day” in D.C.
Announcing the federal takeover earlier this month, Trump described the move as necessary to restore order in the capital.
“This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump said during an August 11 briefing. He ordered about 800 National Guard troops to assist alongside federal agents.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump vowed that criminals arrested would be jailed and homeless encampments removed, with alternative accommodations offered “far from the capital.”
“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs, and homeless people,” Trump wrote. “And we’re not going to let it happen anymore.”
Local Officials Push Back
Not all officials welcomed the move. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the action “unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” arguing that violent crime in D.C. hit a 30-year low in 2024 and has dropped another 26 percent so far in 2025.
“Violent crime in DC reached historic 30-year lows last year, and is down another 26% so far this year,” Schwalb posted.
Crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department confirm an overall 15 percent decline between 2023 and 2024.
States Send in Reinforcements
Governors across the country have pledged to send National Guard troops to aid the crackdown.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said he is deploying 200 Guard members, stating: “Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of”.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry confirmed 135 Guardsmen will be deployed, saying: “We cannot allow our cities to be overcome by violence and lawlessness.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey is sending 300 to 400 troops and equipment.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster pledged 200 Guard members.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine committed 150 military police officers.
