Newsroom

Statement on US Attorney General Action

Last night, US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order purporting to give the Drug Enforcement Administrator the powers and duties of the DC Chief of Police and suspending specific MPD General Orders. The Home Rule Act clearly vests local executive power in the mayor. Section 740 grants the president limited authority to direct the mayor to provide the services of MPD in special emergency circumstances. It does not give the president nor his administration the power to remove or replace the Chief of Police. Attorney General Bondi’s order is clear overreach and an attempt to subvert our local democratic government. Today, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed suit challenging the federal government’s attempt to take over MPD. I fully support this action and stand with the mayor, DC Attorney General, and my fellow councilmembers to defend Home Rule and the rights of 700,000 District residents.

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Response to Presidential Action

It is a sad day for the District of Columbia, and a sad day for the United States of America. Crime is the ultimate political issue and often discussions of crime become delinked from facts in the service of a political agenda or in an effort to change the subject. The facts are that violent crime in the District of Columbia is down and going down. Indeed, violent crime is at the lowest level in decades. The District has also been exemplary by many measures. Our city has grown significantly in recent decades. Our parks are consistently rated the best in the country. Our schools have seen the fastest growth in the country. We are a world leader on environmental issues. Unlike some other jurisdictions, we balance our budget every year. Could we do better? Yes. Could the federal government help? Absolutely. We have consistently urged the federal government to nominate and confirm our judges, to strengthen prosecutions, and to support us as we contend with the special burdens of hosting the seat of government.…

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Statement on January 16 Homicide in Ward 3

I am deeply saddened by the violence that occurred overnight in Ward 3. I have been briefed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and appreciate their quick response. According to MPD, an adult male was shot and killed during a domestic dispute inside a residence in the City Ridge development off Wisconsin Avenue just before 2:30 am. The case is now being handled by homicide detectives who are on the scene, and an active investigation is underway. My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099 or text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

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Letter to Senate Leadership Regarding Judicial Vacancies

On November 15, members of the DC Council co-signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell regarding the large number of judicial vacancies at the District of Columbia Courts. The letter urged Senate leadership to quickly fill the seats before the end of the year. The full letter is available below. 

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