STATEMENT ON ONE-YEAR MARK OF FEDERAL DEPLOYMENT IN DC

“One year ago, the Trump administration deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C. and sought to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. These actions raised serious concerns about D.C. Home Rule and the right of Washingtonians to make decisions about their own city.

Here in Ward 7, we understand the importance of public safety and the responsibility of government at every level to protect our residents. We also recognize and respect the men and women of the National Guard who serve when called upon. Our concern is not with those who wear the uniform, but with the use of federal authority in ways that diminish local control and raise broader concerns about the future of Home Rule.

Over the past year, the death of Justin Bailey and the shootings by federal officers of Phillip Brown and Justin Bryant Nelson during law enforcement encounters have underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and community trust in our public safety efforts.

Every Washingtonian deserves to feel safe in their home city. Public safety and self-governance are not competing values. We can—and must—protect our residents while ensuring that decisions about policing and public safety remain accountable to the people of the District and their elected leaders.

A year later, we remain committed to strengthening public safety through local leadership, community partnership, and accountability. Federal intervention should never come at the expense of D.C.’s elected leadership or our right to Home Rule.

We will continue working together to protect our residents, strengthen public trust, and defend the right of Washingtonians to govern their own city.”