Summary
President Trump says crime in Washington DC is out of control and has announced plans to send National Guard troops to the city. However, crime data shows that violent crime in DC has decreased significantly, reaching its lowest level in 30 years according to local police. There are differences in crime rate figures depending on the source, with both local police and FBI data indicating declines, though by different amounts.
Key Facts
- President Trump plans to deploy National Guard troops to Washington DC to address crime.
- Trump declared a "crime emergency" in DC due to what he describes as rising violence.
- Local police data shows violent crime in DC fell to its lowest level in 30 years in 2024.
- Violent crime is down 26% in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- The FBI's crime data also shows a decrease, but less dramatic than local data.
- The homicide rate in DC peaked in 2023, but it was not the highest ever compared to the 1990s.
- As of mid-August 2025, 99 homicides have occurred in DC, including the death of a congressional intern.
- The number of carjackings decreased in 2025 compared to 2024, as per local police reports.
