President Donald J. Trump has issued a memorandum to the Secretary of Defense, directing the mobilization of the District of Columbia National Guard in response to rising violent crime in Washington, D.C. The order cites recent incidents including the murders of two embassy staffers in May, the fatal shooting of a Congressional intern near the White House in June, and an attack on an Administration staffer by a mob.
In his memorandum, President Trump stated: "As President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the District of Columbia National Guard, it is my solemn duty to protect law-abiding citizens from the destructive forces of criminal activity. That obligation applies with special force in our Nation’s capital, where, as Commander in Chief of the District of Columbia National Guard, I must also ensure that all citizens can avail themselves of the right to interact with their elected representatives, and that the Federal Government can properly function, without fear of being subjected to violent, menacing street crime."
He further noted: "The local government of the District of Columbia has lost control of public order and safety in the city, as evidenced by the two embassy staffers who were murdered in May, the Congressional intern who was fatally shot a short distance from the White House in June, and the Administration staffer who was mercilessly beaten by a violent mob days ago. Citizens, tourists, and staff alike are unable to live peacefully in the Nation’s capital, which is under siege from violent crime. It is a point of national disgrace that Washington, D.C., has a violent crime rate that is higher than some of the most dangerous places in the world. It is my duty to our citizens and Federal workers to secure the safety and the peaceful functioning of our Nation, the Federal Government, and our city."
The directive instructs: "Pursuant to my authority under the Constitution and laws of the United States and the District of Columbia, I direct the Secretary of Defense to mobilize the District of Columbia National Guard and order members to active service, in such numbers as he deems necessary, to address the epidemic of crime in our Nation’s capital. The mobilization and duration of duty shall remain in effect until I determine that conditions of law and order have been restored in the District of Columbia. Further, I direct the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with State Governors and authorize orders for any additional members of National Guard to active service as he deems necessary and appropriate to augment this mission."
The memorandum concludes: "This memorandum is not intended to, and does not create any right or benefit substantive or procedural enforceable at law or equity by any party against United States its departments agencies or entities its officers employees or agents or any other person."
The move comes amid ongoing concerns about public safety within Washington D.C., where local authorities have struggled with high rates https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/crime-statistics-district-columbia compared with other U.S. cities.
