Thursday, April 9, 2026

DC Grand Jurors Refuse to Indict Ex-DOJ Staffer for Assaulting Border Agent.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against a former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee who pelted a federal agent with a sandwich.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Suspect Sean C. Dunn—a former DOJ paralegal—and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on the streets of Washington, D.C. near 14th and U Streets, with Dunn initially charged on August 13, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t want you in my city!” – Sean C. Dunn

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights challenges faced by federal prosecutors in securing indictments against criminals who commit politically sympathetic criminal acts in heavily Democratic cities.

IN FULL

Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against Sean C. Dunn, who allegedly screamed at a federal agent and pelted him with a sandwich in Washington, D.C., before attempting to flee earlier this month. The incident took place in the early morning hours near 14th and U Streets NW, an area of D.C. known for its bar scene as well as crime.

This is the second instance in recent days where a D.C. federal grand jury rejected felony assault against a federal agent charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the capital city. The indictment rejections are raising concerns that empaneled grand juries in D.C. may be more motivated by politics than the letter of the law, resulting in a quasi-jury nullification issue in response to President Donald J. Trump‘s federalization of the capital’s police department.

Dunn, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) paralegal, was initially charged with throwing a submarine sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in an incident that was caught on camera. The complaint also noted that Dunn confronted the officer, calling him a “fascist” and expressing his disapproval of the federal agents’ presence in the District of Columbia.

Typically, prosecutors have a high rate of securing indictments from grand juries, as they must only demonstrate the viability and the presence of evidence or a case to move forward. However, the recent rejections in D.C. could force U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to either reconsider the severity of charges brought in incidents like Dunn’s or attempt to seek an alternative venue for prosecution.

The National Pulse reported in January 2024 that polling data suggested it would have been nearly impossible for President Trump—who then faced charges stemming from a Democrat lawfare effort—to receive a fair trial in D.C. This data implied it would be more difficult to secure charges against anti-Trump agitators.

As it stands, Dunn is set to be back in court in September for a hearing on the viability of the charges—although an indictment could still be secured before then.

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These Are the Shocking Results of Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown Compared to Last Year:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has decreased by nearly half since President Donald J. Trump deployed federal troops and law enforcement agents in the city.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., from August 7 through August 25, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals—over 1,000.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: More than 1,094 arrests have been made, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, and significant reductions in violent crime and burglaries have been reported.

IN FULL

Over the three weeks since President Donald J. Trump federalized Washington, D.C. law enforcement and deployed federal agents and troops to restore order, violent crime has reportedly dropped by nearly 50 percent, based on a CBS News analysis of crime data.

The analysis examined incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from August 7 to August 25, revealing a notable decline in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024 and the five-year average. Burglaries have decreased by 48 percent, and car thefts have dropped by 36 percent.

Contrary to some corporate media reports, federal forces have focused on high-crime areas, such as U Street, NW, where gun crimes were well above the citywide average, with the National Guard providing a deterrent present at locations such as subway stations. The White House has reported over 1,094 arrests since the operation started, including eight gang members affiliated with MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and the seizure of 115 firearms.

On August 25 alone, 87 arrests were made, including 39 illegal immigrants. Notably, D.C.’s sanctuary policies protecting illegals have been suspended since federalization.

President Trump commented on the effort, saying, “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals – over 1,000.” He also called D.C.’s crime data “phony,” likely referring to reports from police unions that senior officers are deliberately misclassifying crimes. At least one police commander is currently facing charges for allegedly doctoring statistics.

Federal forces are also aiding “beautification” projects in D.C., with at least 49 homeless encampments being cleared.

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Trump: ‘If You Kill Someone in D.C., We’re Seeking the Death Penalty.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal prosecutors, and murderers in Washington, D.C.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on August 26, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The new policy aims to serve as a further deterrent to violent crime in D.C.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted. The America First leader revealed the federal prosecutorial policy change during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.

“Anybody murders someone in the capital, capital punishment,” President Trump said. “Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty. And that’s a very strong preventative, and everybody that’s heard it agrees with it.”

“We have no choice. So in D.C., in Washington—states are going to have to make their own decision—but if somebody kills somebody… it is the death penalty,” he added.


While the federal death penalty can be sought in all 50 U.S. states and territories, its application has been exceedingly rare. Currently, there are only three prisoners on federal death row after former President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 men last December.

Notably, of the 16 federal prisoners executed since 2001, 13 of them were executed during President Trump’s first term between July 2020 and January 2021.

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Trump Approves National Guard Rapid Response Units.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to establish National Guard units across the U.S. to address civil disorder and maintain public safety.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Guard members across various states.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The order was signed on Monday, August 26, 2025, impacting Washington, D.C. and other locations nationwide.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The order will enable the federal government to quickly surge resources to assist local law enforcement during riots, natural disasters, or high-profile events where additional security is required.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has directed the Pentagon to create National Guard units in Washington, D.C., and across the nation to manage civil disorder and ensure public safety. The Executive Order, signed by Trump, instructs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to identify National Guard members who can swiftly assist law enforcement in “quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety and order.”

“The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law,” the order, signed on Monday afternoon, states. “In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.”

“In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment,” the order adds.

Notably, the Executive Order also directs Secretary Hegseth to “immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard… that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.”

Since President Trump announced the federalization of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on August 22, 2,200 National Guard troops have been deployed in the nation’s capital—mostly as a deterrent in areas with more moderate crime—allowing the city’s police to surge officers to high-crime neighborhoods. This has led to a marked decline in violent crime in the District of Columbia.

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Coast Guard Intercepts Record 76,000 Pounds of Drugs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 75,000 pounds of illegal drugs in its largest-ever haul, valued at nearly $473 million.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense (DOD), and 34 suspected drug traffickers detained during the operations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: This summer, across the Pacific and Caribbean, with drugs offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday.

🎯IMPACT: The interdictions highlight the Coast Guard’s growing role in national security and drug enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.

IN FULL

Over the course of the summer, the United States Coast Guard seized more than 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of banned narcotics from ships operating in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The entire cache consisted of about 61,740 pounds of cocaine along with 14,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated market value reaching $473 million.

These missions took place in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), focusing on 19 boats transporting drugs in the vicinity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba.

On Monday, the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton brought the seized narcotics to Port Everglades in Florida. Overall, authorities apprehended 34 individuals suspected of involvement in drug smuggling during these actions, although additional information about the detainees remains unavailable.

This unprecedented confiscation showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to fighting narcotics distribution and protecting American neighborhoods. President Donald J. Trump has announced plans to grow the Coast Guard’s fleet and boost its manpower by 15,000 by 2028, enhancing its ability to tackle drug smuggling through America’s coastal borders.

At present, the Coast Guard operates with around 43,000 full-time personnel, 8,000 reserve members, and 30,000 auxiliary volunteers.

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Ukrainian Woman Escapes War, Gets Murdered in U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A 23-year-old Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed at a light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday night.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The victim, Iryna Zarutska, and the suspect, Decarlos Brown, a 34-year-old with a history of arrests.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred at 9:55 PM on August 22 at the South End light rail station in North Carolina.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The story is heart-wrenching, and if, obviously, what we’re hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers.” – Councilman Edwin Peacock

🎯IMPACT: The killing has left the community shaken and raised concerns about public safety on transit systems.

IN FULL

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old woman who had recently fled Ukraine in search of safety in the United States, was fatally stabbed last Friday night at a light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities responded to the scene at the South End light rail station at 9:55 PM, where they discovered Zarutska with fatal injuries.

The alleged attacker, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, was arrested shortly afterward and is now facing a charge of first-degree murder. Police reports indicate that Brown is homeless and has a criminal history that dates back to 2011.

Charlotte City Councilman Edwin Peacock has voiced concern about public safety following the killing, particularly with respect to transit infrastructure. “The story is heart-wrenching, and if, obviously, what we’re hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers,” Peacock stated. “And we, more importantly, need to give all the citizens who are riding the light rail a lot of confidence that you’re going to be safe.”

Zarutska’s death comes as her home country remains locked in war with Russia. Despite attempts by President Donald J. Trump to facilitate peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the conflict shows no immediate signs of resolution.

At the same time, President Trump has put Washington, D.C. under federal control in order to reduce the same kind of violent crime seen in Charlotte, and is discussing similar crackdowns across the country. America’s capital saw no murders at all for 12 days after Trump deployed the National Guard and officers from several federal law enforcement agencies on the streets to restore order to the city; a streak that ended August 26 with a fatal shooting in Southeast D.C.

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CBP Agents Thwart DC Carjacking Amid Trump Crime Crackdown.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stopped a carjacking in Washington, D.C., on Monday during President Donald J. Trump’s federal crime crackdown in the capital.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: CBP agents, the suspect involved in the carjacking, and federal authorities under the Trump administration’s direction.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, August 25, in Washington, D.C., as part of the “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force initiative.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Today while making D.C. safe and beautiful, CBP agents received a call of a carjacking in progress. Agents immediately responded to the area and stopped the fleeing suspect,” a CBP post on X (formerly Twitter) stated.

🎯IMPACT: The suspect was arrested and will face charges, as over 1,000 arrests have been made since the crime crackdown began.

IN FULL

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says its agents foiled a carjacking in Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 25, as part of President Donald J. Trump‘s efforts to crack down on crime in the nation’s capital. According to CBP, agents were on patrol nearby when they were alerted to a possible carjacking in progress and moved to intervene.

“Today while making D.C. safe and beautiful, CBP agents received a call of a carjacking in progress. Agents immediately responded to the area and stopped the fleeing suspect,” a CBP post on X (formerly Twitter) stated. The agency confirmed the suspect was arrested and will face multiple charges.

The operation is part of the “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force, launched on August 7 following an Executive Order by President Trump in March. The initiative escalated on August 11 when Trump moved to federalize control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under emergency powers in the Home Rule Act.

More than 1,000 arrests have been made since the operation began, with federal law enforcement supported by the National Guard working alongside local officers to reduce crime in the city. So far, the initiative has been a marked success, with the city seeing a significant drop in violent crime.

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140 Arrests on Day One of London’s Annual Afro-Caribbean Carnival.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: London’s Metropolitan Police made at least 140 arrests on the first day of the annual Notting Hill Carnival, for crimes including assaults on officers, sexual offences, drug dealing, robbery, and possession of weapons.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Metropolitan Police officers, Carnival attendees, and people on criminal watch lists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The arrests occurred on Sunday during the Notting Hill Carnival’s “family day” in London, England.

💬KEY QUOTE: The family of Cher Maximen, murdered at last year’s Carnival violence in front of her young daughter, described it as an “unimaginable event” and suggested it should be moved to a park.

🎯IMPACT: Arrests were up by 40 percent compared to last year’s first day, despite pre-emptive measures and the use of facial recognition technology.

IN FULL

London’s Metropolitan Police reported 140 arrests on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival, held on Sunday. The arrests involved offenses such as assaults on police officers, sexual crimes, drug dealing, robbery, and weapon possession. Arrests are up 40 percent compared to the 104 arrests recorded on the first day of the previous year’s Carnival, despite preemptive arrests, the use of facial recognition technology, and other measures designed to tamp down lawlessness.

The Notting Hill Carnival, a multi-day street festival celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture since 1966, draws approximately one million visitors each year. However, it has faced growing scrutiny due to its endemic violence. Calls to relocate or cancel the event have intensified following incidents like the murders of chef Mussie Imnetu and mother Cher Maximen at last year’s Carnival.

Police data from Sunday detailed 15 arrests for assaults on officers, including one officer hospitalized, 21 for possessing offensive weapons, 25 for cannabis possession, 19 for intent to supply drugs, and four for sexual offenses. While police leaders often defend the Carnival festival, the Met’s rank and file members are known to despise it, with the police union-like Metropolitan Police Federation long calling for its cancellation.

In a proactive move, the Metropolitan Police arrested over 100 high-risk individuals before the Carnival started this year. Additionally, 21 people were recalled to prison, and 266 others were barred from attending through bail or probation orders.

The family of Cher Maximen, fatally stabbed in front of her daughter at last year’s Carnival, proposed moving the event to a park to curb violence.

Image by Adrian Scottow.

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BREAKING: Trump Targets Cashless Bail in DC With Executive Order.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order ending cashless bail in Washington, D.C., with a second order targeting a nationwide ban.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The executive order was signed on Monday, impacting Washington, D.C., and potentially nationwide jurisdictions.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Every place in the country where you have no-cash bail is a disaster.” – President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The initiative seeks to curb reoffending and address rising crime rates linked to cashless bail policies.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on Monday eliminating cashless bail for criminal suspects in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the America First leader enacted a second Executive Order that aims to institute a nationwide ban on cashless bail by threatening to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that continue the practice.

President Trump has repeatedly criticized no-cash bail policies, calling them a “disaster” and attributing their implementation to “bad politicians” and “bad leadership.” He specifically pointed to cities like New York and Chicago as examples of the policy’s failure. Speaking earlier this month, Trump stated, “Somebody murders somebody and they’re out on no-cash bail before the day is out.”

Critics of cashless bail, such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, argue that the policy has increased reoffending rates. Adams has blamed reforms initiated under former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) for creating a cycle of offenders being repeatedly arrested and released. Data from the Data Collaborative for Justice supports concerns about increased recidivism among individuals charged with nonviolent felonies and those with a history of violent offenses.

Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), responding to Trump’s recent suggestion of deploying the National Guard to Chicago to restore order, dismissed the proposal as “uncoordinated, uncalled-for, and unsound.” Trump has labeled Johnson “grossly incompetent.”

Earlier this month, President Trump moved to federalize the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deploy National Guard troops and federal agents in the capital as part of a major crackdown on crime in the city. Despite Democrat claims that D.C.’s crime rates were falling, the MPD is facing a federal investigation and a workplace retaliation lawsuit alleging that city law enforcement officials manipulated crime data to make the city appear safer than it is.

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DC Crime Crackdown Going National as Trump Prepares to Deploy National Guard in 19 States.

Up to 1,700 National Guardsmen will be deployed across 19 states to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in enforcing President Donald J. Trump’s push to crack down on illegal immigration and crime, Pentagon officials confirmed.

The details: According to Fox News, the National Guardsmen will serve as support for “a sweeping federal crime and immigration crackdown that is underway now” by Homeland Security.

  • The report added: “The service members supporting ICE will be performing case management, transportation, logistical support, and clerical functions associated with the processing of illegal migrants at the facilities.”

Where they’re headed: According to documents viewed by Fox News, the states will include: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Zoom out: Since Trump federalized the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), all violent crime is down 40 percent and more than 700 criminals have been arrested, including a top MS-13 gang leader.

Sidequest: Trump also hinted at D.C.-style crackdowns in liberal strongholds. Speaking on Friday from the Oval Office, he said, “I think Chicago will be our next. And then we’ll help with New York.”

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Up to 1,700 National Guardsmen will be deployed across 19 states to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in enforcing President Donald J. Trump’s push to crack down on illegal immigration and crime, Pentagon officials confirmed. show more