Trump announces plan to boost D.C. security

The White House confirmed on Thursday that it planned to deploy more federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., to boost the capital city’s security. President Donald Trump hinted at the boost in the days leading up to the announcement after a federal employee was attacked over the weekend. Violent crime has plagued D.C. far too long, according to a Thursday statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. D.C. will no longer be a sanctuary for violent criminals thanks to the president’s order for increased presence of federal law enforcement, she said.

Trump said Wednesday that he was considering a federal takeover of D.C. police to quell a rise in crime, and floated the possibility of bringing in the National Guard. He also took issue with the general cleanliness and visual appeal of the city, citing issues with graffiti, litter, and crumbling infrastructure. The president vowed to beautify the city, even if it took federalization.

What kind of changes will be made to boost security? The push will start as a weeklong operation that will be extended as needed, the White House said. The U.S. Park Police will lead the plan to have more law enforcement on the street at midnight, with a focus on tourist areas with high traffic. Members of the Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, established in Trump’s March executive order, will work to provide additional security.

The Park Police worked with federal partners under the executive order to make several arrests and keep D.C. safe, according to a Friday morning statement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was also working with other federal law enforcement partners to patrol the streets of D.C., according to a statement early Friday morning.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Russell’s previous report for more background on the federal employee attack.