Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, reported in a post on X that a ‘malodorous’ individual attempted to steal her phone in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred near the NY Ave Presbyterian Church, took place as she was walking back to the DOJ from an appointment. While the individual was described as ‘not in his right mind,’ Dhillon emphasized her success in evading the theft.
Her account of the incident sparked a broader discussion about the safety and security of the nation’s capital. Dhillon noted that the area was close to the White House and tourist attractions, adding to the visibility and significance of the incident. She expressed concern about the current state of safety in the city, stating that ‘it’ll be a while till things feel safe.’
The event has garnered attention due to the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to combat crime in Washington, D.C. President Trump has been actively pursuing a crackdown on street crime, with measures including the deployment of National Guard troops and the declaration of a crime emergency. A recent executive order allows the Mayor of the District of Columbia to assign the Metropolitan Police force to federal purposes for an extended period.
These measures are part of a wider strategy aimed at restoring order and addressing the ‘epidemic of crime’ in the nation’s capital. Dhillon’s incident, while anecdotal, serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the public amid these heightened security measures. The administration’s actions are likely to have indirect financial implications, potentially increasing public spending on policing and security.