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. Ironically, we have a long history of working in partnership with federal law enforcement. We remain more than open to continuing and building on that partnership.

But any attempt to place the military on our streets and displace the leadership of our increasingly successful police department would not be constructive. Let’s work together to make the District as safe and beautiful as possible. But let’s not engage in political theater by disenfranchising 700,000 people.

These are challenging times, but the District has always been resilient in the face of challenges. I, along with all my colleagues in the DC government, am determined to do what I can to protect the rights and interests of the residents of the District of Columbia.