The mayor of Democrat-run Washington, D.C., a sanctuary city, has complained about the influx of illegal immigrants, homelessness and crime. The Republican-led House Oversight and Government Accountability Committee recently asked the three-term mayor, Muriel Bowser, to discuss safety concerns.
Speaking to the committee, Bowser acknowledged that D.C. is facing “some concerning increases in crime.”
Government reports show that since 2017, the number of reported murders has almost doubled, and homicides are up 11% over last year.
“No one can be satisfied with increasing crime trends in any category. I certainly am not,” Bowser testified. “In D.C., like what is happening around the country, we have faced some concerning increases in crime.”
Bowser added: “We see more illegal guns on our streets and more repeat violent offenders using them. Those guns are being used in violent crimes like homicides and carjackings.”
Amid pressure from many Democrats, in 2022 Bowser vetoed legislation passed by the D.C. City Council designed to lower criminal penalties. Though the city council overrode her veto, Congress and President Joe Biden repealed the legislation in March.
In advance of meeting with the committee, Bowser received strong support from the D.C. Police Union, which defended the mayor and criticized the city council.
In an open letter from D. C. Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton referred to Bowser as a “great ally” who opposes defunding police and supports increasing funding. Pemberton blamed the rise in crime on D.C. City Council President Phil Mendelson.
Pemberton also faulted city leaders Mendelson and Councilman Charles Allen for “mak[ing] the District more dangerous.”
During her testimony before the committee, Bowser said:
These trends are unacceptable, and we do not accept this as a new normal. To understand our response, you also have to understand our criminal justice system, which is unique.
MPD makes arrests; most adults are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for D.C., who is, of course, a part of U.S. DOJ [Department of Justice]. Our youth offenders are prosecuted by our locally-elected attorney general and committed to our local youth and rehabilitation services.
But our youth and adult offenders are supervised by the court and federal agencies. D.C. jail is local, but a majority of our residents serving time are at federal facilities across the country. Our judges are also appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
After mentioning judges, the Senate, various federal agencies, the Dept. of Justice, a “locally elected attorney general,” the “U.S. attorney for D.C.” and local youth rehabilitation services, Bowser said:
“I won’t be making any excuses here. I’m the Mayor, and I’m responsible for making this very complicated, unique system work for my residents, businesses, and all Americans.”
Bowser added that she had “authorized the chief to use any overtime he deems necessary for MPD.”
“We’ve launched regional and federal partnerships,” Bowser said, “I’ve created an office of neighborhood safety and engagement. Just yesterday, I announced a package of legislation that will enhance penalties for violent crime and provide greater discretion for the courts.”
Bowser ended her testimony by noting her new measures would help officials “determine who should be held pretrial and to modify early release laws to ensure that the wayside does not throw the voices of victims and the judgments of the courts.”
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