Particle.news
Download on the App Store
40 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

D.C. Leaders Defend Crime Strategy in Heated House Hearing as GOP Bills Advance

City officials pressed for long-term resources over armed patrols to rebuild staffing, restore trust, clear court backlogs.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Residents of the Fairlawn neighborhood in Southeast DC took part in a crime walk Monday afternoon, after recent shootings. (7News)
Image

Overview

  • Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Attorney General Brian Schwalb testified before the House Oversight Committee, arguing the federal surge erodes public trust and infringes on home rule.
  • The House passed four measures targeting D.C. policy, including lowering the age to charge juveniles as adults, expanding police pursuits, and removing the city’s role in judicial selection, with a larger slate still moving.
  • Federal operations continue in Washington after the emergency order lapsed, with federal agents active citywide and the National Guard mission extended through Nov. 30.
  • City leaders said violent crime has fallen significantly since 2023, while Republicans questioned the data as the Oversight Committee and the Justice Department review the statistics.
  • Bowser credited additional federal law-enforcement partners like the FBI and DEA for supporting MPD and said the National Guard has not driven the decline, as Schwalb pursues lawsuits challenging the deployments.