D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb directly challenged claims made by the city's police union leader regarding crime levels in the nation's capital.
According to The Hill, Schwalb responded Tuesday to comments from Gregg Pemberton, chair of the DC Police Union, who had appeared on Fox Business Network's "Varney & Co." The attorney general told CNN's Kasie Hunt that Pemberton's "facts are wrong" regarding crime statistics in Washington D.C.
The dispute emerged after President Trump announced Monday his decision to take federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deploy the National Guard to combat what he described as rampant criminal activity in the city.
Police Union Leader Describes Crisis Situation
Pemberton painted a stark picture of crime conditions during his Fox Business appearance, stating that "crime in the District is out of control, and something needs to be done about it." He dismissed suggestions that crime rates have decreased as "really an old trope" that doesn't reflect the reality officers face daily.
The union chair described officers responding continuously to "armed carjacking, stabbings, robberies, shootings, homicides," and emphasized that crime levels remain unchanged. Pemberton expressed support for federal assistance, stating the department would welcome help from "federal agents or the National Guard."
His comments came amid Trump's announcement of federal intervention in D.C. law enforcement operations. The president justified the action by claiming the capital had been "overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people."
Attorney General Defends Local Leadership
Schwalb strongly contested Pemberton's characterization of the crime situation in his CNN interview. He stated that both Pemberton's facts and talking points were incorrect regarding the current state of criminal activity in Washington D.C.
The attorney general acknowledged that more work remains to be done in reducing crime rates. However, he maintained that the city is "going in the right direction under local control, local policies and local leadership."
Schwalb emphasized the importance of continuing current approaches rather than accepting federal intervention. He argued that local officials have the best understanding of their city's needs and challenges.
Federal Takeover Through Home Rule Act
Trump implemented federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department using Section 740 of the District of Columbia's Home Rule Act. Congress originally passed this legislation in the 1970s to grant Washington D.C. greater autonomy over its local government affairs.
The provision allows federal oversight in specific circumstances, which Trump invoked to justify his intervention. This action represents a significant shift from the local control that has governed D.C. policing for decades.
The federal takeover marks an unprecedented use of this authority in recent years. The move has generated debate about the appropriate balance between federal oversight and local governance in the nation's capital.
Ongoing Debate Over Crime Statistics
The disagreement between Schwalb and Pemberton highlights broader tensions about how crime data should be interpreted and presented. Both officials claim to represent accurate assessments of public safety conditions in Washington D.C.
The dispute reflects different perspectives within law enforcement and government circles about the effectiveness of current crime-fighting strategies. These differing viewpoints complicate efforts to develop unified approaches to public safety challenges.
The Hill reached out to the DC Police Union for additional comment on the matter. The ongoing debate underscores the complex relationship between federal authority and local governance in addressing urban crime issues.
