Trump's Power Grab: What the Crime Numbers Really Say
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Last week, President Trump invoked a rarely used clause in the 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act to seize control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department - deploying federal agents, the National Guard, and ordering the removal of homeless encampments. He claimed a public safety emergency.
However, the data tells a different story. According to the dashboard compiled by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), crime across our region is on the decline.
Violent crime in D.C. is down 26% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024. Washington isn’t even among the ten most dangerous cities in the U.S.
Despite this, the president is sending troops trained for combat, not community policing, into neighborhoods.
Trump also singled out Baltimore, calling it “so far gone” alongside cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. This wasn’t just rhetoric; it was a warning to yet another city with large Black and immigrant populations.
Here again, the data tells a different story:
● Homicides in Baltimore are down 28% this year (the lowest level on record).
● Gun violence and violent crime involving young people are at decade lows.
This progress is the result of partnerships and community-driven strategies that work. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott put it plainly: “It’s not just Baltimore. Violent crime is at historic lows in cities across the country… The president could learn a lot about leadership from them.”
This is bigger than one city. It’s about federal overreach, the erosion of local authority, and the danger of using emergency powers without cause.
We must remain vigilant and united by standing up for the facts, supporting effective governance, and staying informed.
Stay informed and take action:
- Listen to Governor Wes Moore’s response to the DC takeover.
- Share your stories about the impact of the Trump Administration’s decisions on Senator Van Hollen’s website.
- Read Heather Cox Richardson on Trump's "seizure of power."
Join my campaign. I would love to see you at my next event on Sunday, September 14th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in Potomac, MD. Scroll down to register. If you can't come, please consider making a contribution.
With heart and purpose,
Tazeen Ahmad
Candidate for Delegate
Leading with Heart, Delivering with Purpose
Please register for our September 14 reception. Interested in joining the host committee? Email me at tazeen@tazeenformaryland.com.
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