President Donald Trump’s federalization of Washington, D.C., following his declaration of a “crime emergency,” sparked mixed reactions but also highlighted long-standing concerns about crime in the city. News anchor Kyra Phillips shared on-air that she was “jumped” just two blocks from her D.C. studio within the past two years, underscoring personal experiences behind crime statistics.

While official data from the Metropolitan Police Department show a decline in violent crime since 2023, Phillips pointed out recent incidents near ABC’s bureau, including two shootings and a car theft within a block’s radius. She emphasized that despite falling numbers, crime remains a daily reality for many living and working downtown.

D.C. Police Commander Michael Pulliam has been suspended amid an investigation into allegations of manipulating crime stats, though he denies wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser praised the federal intervention, ordering continued coordination with federal law enforcement even after Trump’s emergency declaration expires.

Federal officials reported over 1,000 arrests since taking over, with Trump boasting a “crime-free zone” on social media. Embedded federal agents have assisted local police in arrests and warrant executions, often operating in unmarked vehicles. Simultaneously, immigration enforcement has surged, with about 300 undocumented individuals arrested since early August—over ten times the usual weekly rate.

The White House defended the operation, calling the crime reductions “life-changing” for residents and visitors. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized the focus on removing violent criminals from the streets, “regardless of immigration status,” countering media skepticism over the federalized effort’s impact.