❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and threatened to declare a national emergency over crime in the city.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., with Trump’s remarks posted on Truth Social on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If I allowed this to happen, CRIME would come roaring back. To the people and businesses of Washington, D.C., DON’T WORRY, I AM WITH YOU, AND WON’T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. I’ll call a National Emergency, and Federalize, if necessary!!!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Crime statistics decreased during the federal law enforcement surge, but protests and debates over federal intervention remain ongoing.

President Donald J. Trump has warned of a potential national emergency declaration in Washington, D.C., criticizing Mayor Muriel Bowser’s approach to crime and immigration enforcement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed his previous deployment of the National Guard had significantly reduced crime in the capital, but he warned that ceasing cooperation with ICE could reverse those gains.

“The Federal Government, under my auspices as President of the United States of America, has stepped into the complete criminal mess that was Washington, D.C., our Nation’s Capital,” Trump wrote. He further stated that D.C. went from being “one of the most dangerous and murder-ridden cities in the U.S.A.” to “one of the safest – In just a few weeks.”

Trump’s remarks follow the expiration of his 30-day emergency declaration, during which federal law enforcement, including the National Guard, was deployed in the city. The White House shared data indicating over 2,100 arrests during the deployment period, with violent crime reportedly down 39 percent compared to last year. Homicides dropped by 53 percent, and carjackings saw an 87 percent decrease, according to Metropolitan Police Department figures.

Mayor Bowser, who initially supported the federal intervention, highlighted the importance of the surge in reducing crime. “We know that when carjackings go down, when use of guns goes down, when homicide or robbery go down, neighborhoods feel safer and are safer,” she said during a press conference on August 27. However, she has not yet responded to Trump’s latest comments.

Protests erupted earlier this month against the deployment of federal law enforcement, with demonstrators opposing what they described as an overreach of federal authority. Trump, however, has maintained that his actions were necessary to “re-establish law, order, and public safety” in the capital.

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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Thousands gathered for a prayer vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk at the Kennedy Center.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Attendees included Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Speaker Mike Johnson, 85+ Members of Congress, and other notable figures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The event took place on Sunday evening at the Kennedy Center.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Charlie Kirk would not want us to be overcome by despair.” – Speaker Mike Johnson

🎯IMPACT: The vigil highlighted Kirk’s significant influence on the political landscape and the unity among his supporters.

The Kennedy Center was the venue for a significant prayer vigil on Sunday evening, drawing thousands to honor Charlie Kirk. The event was marked by the presence of prominent figures, including Health Secretary Robert Kennedy and Speaker Mike Johnson.

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the crowd, noting that “a dark shadow has been cast” over America but emphasized that Kirk would not want his followers to be consumed by despair. He reminded attendees that Kirk was never driven by hate.

Among those who spoke was White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who credited Charlie Kirk with playing a pivotal role in President Trump’s November victory. She highlighted the ongoing influence of Kirk’s work on the administration’s efforts.

Tulsi Gabbard used her speech to criticize the emptiness and hatred of Kirk’s detractors, attributing it to their lack of faith. Robert Kennedy received a warm welcome, with chants of “USA! USA!” as he took the stage, reminding the audience of the enduring impact of loss.

The event underscored the significant impact Charlie Kirk has had on American politics and the deep respect and admiration he commands among his supporters and colleagues.

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