National Guard's presence slashes D.C. crime rates, with seven days homicide-free

(WBFF) — The recent deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. has led to a significant decrease in crime, despite initial skepticism from locals.

"The crime is minimal here. There's not a lot of crime here," one resident said, while another remarked, "This looks like window dressing to me."

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However, since the Guard's arrival, the city has experienced a notable decline in criminal activity.

For the first time in a long time, D.C. has gone seven days without a homicide. Carjackings have decreased by 83%, robberies by 46%, car thefts by 21%, and overall violent crime is down 22%.

"When you have these numbers going down it means this is a success and people feel safer," said Sgt. Betsy Smith of the National Police Association.

Like many major cities, Washington's police department is critically understaffed, and Smith believes federal assistance is crucial. "More police generally equals less crime," she said.

President Trump recently considered deploying the National Guard to Baltimore but has not yet made a decision. "And then you have Baltimore and Oakland. We don't even mention that anymore they're so far gone," he said.

Residents of Baltimore have expressed mixed feelings about the potential deployment. "It's gonna start war," one resident said, while another commented, "We're not looking for more oppression. We're looking for solutions. That's not a solution."

Sgt. Smith emphasized that Baltimore has been under federal oversight since 2018 as part of a consent decree. With the police department still hundreds of officers short, she is convinced that embracing federal help could lead to similar crime reductions in Baltimore. "If the people in Baltimore City want to truly be free they need to embrace not only their local law enforcement but state and federal partners as well," Smith said.