President Donald Trump’s federalization of the D.C. police department and subsequent crime crackdown resulted in a 13-day streak of zero homicides, data indicates. The reduction primarily benefited Black Americans, who make up 96% of the city’s murder victims, according to Crime Prevention Research Center founder John Lott. Lott claims the streak’s probability is low based on historical data, suggesting the crackdown positively impacted communities most affected by violence.
Following the crackdown, D.C. experienced a 13-day run of zero homicides, data showing the streak ended when a 31-year-old man was fatally shot on Aug. 26. Lott highlighted that the probability of such a streak occurring naturally is low, suggesting the policies implemented likely contributed to the reduction in violent crimes. The report also noted that between 2019 and 2021, Black victims accounted for 96% of all homicides in the district.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have criticized Trump’s approach, with Johnson calling incarceration ‘racist’ and ‘immoral.’ Pritzker dismissed Trump’s plans to send the National Guard to Chicago as ‘theater,’ arguing the president seeks political points rather than genuine crime reduction. Despite Chicago’s lower homicide rate compared to cities like Memphis, Trump’s focus on areas with the highest murder rates may be a strategic move to address the most severe violence.
The crackdown also led to 1,914 arrests in D.C. since August, targeting various crimes including illegal activities and outstanding warrants. Lott argued that the operation indirectly benefits D.C. residents, especially the poor, by reducing crime-related economic impacts. However, he warned that increased costs for basic necessities like groceries could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Overall, the data suggests that Trump’s policies may have had a measurable impact on reducing violent crime in D.C., but the long-term effects and broader implications for urban communities remain subjects of ongoing debate.