West Virginia said it was deploying 300 to 400 Guard troops, while South Carolina pledged 200 and Ohio says it will send 150 in the coming days, marking a significant escalation of the federal intervention.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a directive issued Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume “powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.” The Metropolitan Police Department “must receive approval from Commissioner Cole” before issuing any orders,

The federal government takes control of Washington DC police operations as DEA Administrator Terry Cole seeks to enforce immigration compliance and reduce crime.

About 45% of violent crime is not reported to the police, according to 2023 NCVS data. Reasons for not reporting include fear of retribution, belief that police won’t be able to help and not wanting to get the offender in trouble.

At least one high-ranking officer has been suspended so far over the disturbing allegations, which the DC Police Union has said effectively reflect standard operating procedure.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on violent crime in Washington, D.C., has already netted more than 240 arrests and seized 38 guns off the streets, a White House official said.

Three US Republican-led states deployed hundreds more National Guard troops to Washington, DC, marking a significant escalation of federal law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital.

Restaurants in Washington, D.C., have experienced a sharp decline in reservations and foot traffic after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and mobilized National Guard troops in the city.

Authorities have also scrubbed up to 80 graffiti sites from Capitol Hill Parks as of Aug. 6, Interior officials said.