Trump has long focused on crime and cleanliness in DC and other cities, sparring periodically with Democratic mayors during his first term over law enforcement. In the summer of 2020, he weighed a federal takeover of the DC police to quell demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd.

Trump threatened to impose federal control if local authorities don't act. The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate, seeking additional suspects.

President shares photo of bloodied federal employee on Truth Social and claims crime ‘out of control’ in Washington, D.C.