Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said it would be an “affront to even our limited home rule” for the White House to take control of the city’s police force amid protests near the White House that have included vandalism and the setting of fires.
Bowser made the remarks in response a report from The Washington Post that said the White House and other federal officials had inquired about taking control of the city’s police for at least 48 hours.
“I would regard that as an affront to even our limited home rule and the safety of the District of Columbia,” Bowser said at a press conference Tuesday.
John Falcicchio, Bowser’s chief of staff, told reporters Tuesday that “we are firm in our understanding” that allowing such a takeover “would not be a prudent move.”
Falcicchio told the Post about the request and said that the city is prepared to sue if the administration proceeds.
When asked to confirm the request from the federal government, Bowser’s office pointed to her response during Tuesday’s press conference.
Bowser has said that the president’s rhetoric intensifies dangerous encounters between protesters and police while the Trump administration has called on the city police to take a more aggressive approach.
………
- Discussion
-
Mayor's office says federal officials asked about assuming control of DC police https://t.co/qZLzbCPP0B pic.twitter.com/rNWjP8wjwn
— The Hill (@thehill) June 3, 2020
This is why Trump wants the protesters out there tonight, with the provocateurs mixed among them. He wants to unleash the authority he has in the District. https://t.co/hI9VDqGl2J
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) June 3, 2020
Security services that refuse to disclose their full affiliation are not a typical feature of liberal democracies. https://t.co/A8krbaVSrw
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) June 2, 2020
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.