Community split as D.C. residents debate federal takeover, with opposition outweighing support

By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com

It’s been more than two weeks since the president invoked a provision of the Home Rule Act, taking control of the city’s police force and deploying nearly 2,000 now armed National Guard troops in response to alleged out-of-control crime.

According to a recent poll co-sponsored by George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and the Washington Post, a supermajority of D.C. residents, 79 percent, oppose the president’s actions, while 17 percent support his order to deploy federal troops and federalize police. 

Some Washingtonians, in conversations with the AFRO, seemed hesitant to speak to the press, but others were more than willing to express their opinion on what is often being described as “the takeover” of the District of Columbia. 

Anthony Selby, a native of Delaware and a manager for a medical support company, recalls similar tactics being employed when he first moved to D.C.

“When I moved here 21 years ago, the National Guard had recently been sent to D.C. because of the escalation in crime, and because of the way they were clearly working with MPD [Metropolitan Police Department] I was in favor of it,” he said. “But now, with federal officers jumping out of unmarked cars and people being taken away to destinations unknown, I am very uncomfortable.

“I know what the White House has said but I’m not sure they’re being honest. It seems that the whole thing is an overreach. We have a competent police department and crime has been going down for the past several years. Why do we need thousands of additional officers in D.C.?” 

Boston, Mass., native Benjamin Kirnon, 61, who works as an accountant, has lived in Mt. Rainier, Md., for 13 years. He believes the surge in law enforcement is nothing more than a “scare tactic.” 

“I think the president is abusing the system and trying to frighten us – I’m not cool with that at all,” he said. “It feels like we’re reentering the same kind of storm that allowed the actions on Jan. 6 to take place. Not only do I not feel safer with more police, but I’m even more nervous.” 

When asked what he would do if he were in charge or had a say, Kirnon threw his hands up in the air.

“I can’t even offer a solution, or at least something that would persuade the president to relinquish control and let our mayor and police do their jobs,” he said. “What I can say is we’re caught in a bad situation. It’s a lot of foolishness and it’s left me so depressed that I don’t even listen to the news anymore.” 

Chris McLaughlin, a native of D.C. who is self-employed, said, like Kirnon, he’s uncomfortable with what’s happening in his hometown. 

“I think being a Black man, I am one of the targets and it seems like it’s a racist undertaking,” he said. “The statistics on crime do not justify the president’s actions. It’s just his opinion and others are following behind him, regardless of the facts. 

“Maybe it’s time that we identify some new leaders who are willing to step forward, help us circumvent what’s going on in our city and help us move forward. But given the way the Democrats have been performing over the past several years, I am pessimistic about the future.” 

As for South Carolina-born Dale A. Woodard, who moved to D.C. in 2000 and works at the Washington VA Medical Center, he believes the president’s actions have little to do with reducing crime.

“I think what we’re witnessing is crazy and a waste of money,” he said. “The National Guard isn’t needed in D.C. and the president needs to focus on serious issues – like improving the economy. People are struggling to survive and yet he’s reducing aid to those who need it the most. 

“I think his real goal is to identify illegal aliens and deport them. It’s not about reducing crime in D.C. It seems like our elected local officials are just letting the president do whatever he wants and watching it happen. Someone needs to step up and call it what it is. People are afraid, families are being torn apart – it’s just crazy.” 

Supporters of the president say ‘give him a chance’ 

Angel Brown, 72, a retired bus driver and government employee who has lived in the District her entire life, said while she doesn’t like what’s happening, she has become fed up with the surge in youth violence and criminal activities. 

“I don’t trust Donald Trump because he always seems to have a hidden agenda,” she said. “But I do believe that something must be done to reduce youth crime. Things have gotten out of control and right now, all they get is a slap on the wrists. Those who habitually break the law need to face more serious consequences.” 

New York native Christopher Harris, 54, who works for the federal government and lives in Chevy Chase, Md., said he’s all for the president’s plan.

“My wife and I have a 1-year-old child, and we want to keep him safe,” he said. “I take the train every day and before we had more police out here, it was common to deal with youth cursing, playing music loudly, smoking weed – just out of control. And the worst thing is, they look like me – they’re Black.

“What’s wrong with making our streets, our public transportation, and our communities safer? Our ancestors were the ones who built Washington, D.C., and I know they would not be pleased with the way we have allowed it to fall into decline due to crime. So, I applaud the president’s efforts.”