President Donald Trump has announced plans to revive the death penalty in Washington, D.C., for murder convictions as part of his crime crackdown. During a Cabinet meeting, he stated that the death penalty would be pursued for those who kill in the capital, arguing it serves as a strong deterrent. This decision follows a recent wave of arrests, with over 1,000 individuals detained as part of the administration’s efforts to reduce crime in the city.
The 1972 Supreme Court ruling in Furman v. Georgia established that the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment, leading to its suspension in D.C. since 1981. While 27 states still permit the death penalty, no state has executed someone in 25 years, with four states placing a moratorium on executions due to gubernatorial orders. Trump, a long-time advocate for capital punishment, has pushed for its restoration through an executive order signed in January, urging the attorney general to pursue the death penalty for heinous crimes. The order highlighted the necessity of capital punishment as a deterrent for violent offenses.
In addition to the death penalty proposals, Trump has ordered the deployment of over 1,000 National Guard troops to D.C., including units from six conservative states, as part of a broader strategy to tackle crime. The administration has already reported 12 consecutive days without a homicide in the capital, citing improved security measures as a result of these efforts. However, the federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department remains a contentious issue, with the Home Rule Act limiting the duration of any temporary takeover to 30 days without congressional approval. The National Guard’s involvement is not restricted by this act, allowing for extended military presence in the city. The Trump administration continues to emphasize its commitment to public safety, with Trump asserting that the death penalty is an essential tool in deterring the most severe crimes against American citizens.