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Washington DC Sues Federal Govt Over “Illegal” Police Takeover
Washington DC Sues Federal Government Over Police Takeover After DEA Chief Named “Emergency Commissioner”
ND
by News Desk
2025-08-15
Washington DC Sues Federal Govt Over “Illegal” Police Takeover

Washington: The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing it of unlawfully seizing control of the city’s police force following the appointment of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief as “emergency police commissioner”.

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced the legal challenge on Friday, saying the federal government was "abusing its temporary, limited authority under the law" by effectively taking over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The lawsuit seeks to nullify the order issued by US Attorney General Pam Bondi and prevent DEA Administrator Terry Cole from assuming any command authority over the MPD.

The dispute comes after President Donald Trump declared earlier in the week that he was mobilising federal law enforcement to tackle crime in the nation’s capital — invoking the 1970s Home Rule Act, which allows the president to deploy local police for “federal purposes” when deemed necessary.

On Thursday night, Bondi issued an order stating that Cole would assume “all powers and duties” of MPD Chief Pamela Smith. According to the order, Smith must obtain approval from Cole before issuing any directives to the police force.

Almost immediately, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and AG Schwalb rejected the order, describing it as an “unlawful” federal overreach and instructing Chief Smith to continue carrying out her duties without federal interference.

In recent days, hundreds of National Guard troops and federal agents — including FBI and DEA personnel — have been deployed across the city, establishing checkpoints, clearing homeless encampments, and patrolling key areas. Armoured vehicles have also appeared near major monuments and tourist locations.

Bowser, a Democrat, branded the move as an “authoritarian push”, arguing that there is no emergency justifying such action. “The federal takeover is unnecessary and unprecedented,” she said.

Trump, meanwhile, has insisted that crime in Washington DC is spiralling, but independent analysis tells a different story. According to figures verified by BBC Verify and published by the MPD, violent crime has been steadily declining. After peaking in 2023, violent offences reached their lowest level in 30 years in 2024 and continue to fall in 2025. Overall violent crime is down 26% compared to the same period last year, while robbery has dropped by 28%.

Announcing Cole’s appointment in an interview with Fox News, Bondi said federal officers had already made 156 arrests and seized 27 firearms this week.

The case is expected to set up a high-profile legal battle over the limits of federal authority in the US capital and the future of DC’s longstanding push for self-governance.
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