Government aims to address crime in the U.S. capital
This week, the federal government began deploying National Guard troops and hundreds of federal agents across Washington D.C. as part of a security reinforcement plan. The administration has also taken control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
The move has divided local opinion. Some residents believe it responds to genuine security needs in certain neighborhoods, while others view it as a political show of force.
Different realities across neighborhoods
In the U-Street area, part of Ward 1, police reports indicate seven homicides and 166 robberies so far this year. However, data shows a nearly 30% drop in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024. Many residents say they feel relatively safe, despite isolated incidents.
In Ward 8, across the Anacostia River, poverty rates are higher and crime is more severe, with 38 homicides reported this year — nearly five times the number in Ward 1.
Divergent perspectives on federal presence
Some locals welcome the increased oversight and say the National Guard brings a greater sense of safety. Others point out that crime in the city has been decreasing in recent years and argue that more troops may not address underlying causes.
According to the Department of Justice, last year violent crime in Washington D.C. reached its lowest point in three decades. Nevertheless, carjackings, assaults, and other serious incidents continue to impact several communities, keeping security a priority for residents and authorities alike.
