WASHINGTON, D.C. May 15, 2026 — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro highlighted the one-year achievements of the D.C. Safe Task Force on Friday, citing more than 12,886 arrests, 1,418 illegal firearms seized, and over 7,000 convictions as part of President Trump’s Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative.
In a press conference at the Department of Justice, Pirro described the figures as more than statistics — they represent “lives saved, families protected, businesses operating safely, and neighborhoods reclaiming peace.”
“This summer surge will continue driving violent crime out of Washington ahead of America 250,” Pirro stated, referring to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The task force, a coordinated effort involving federal, local, and National Guard resources, has focused on targeting violent offenders, gang members, weapons violations, and related crimes. Earlier updates from January 2026 reported 8,406 arrests and 856 guns seized in 2025, alongside sharp drops in violent crime: homicides down 60%, robberies down 49%, carjackings down 68%, and overall crime down 32% compared to the prior year.
Pirro, appointed in May 2025, credited the Trump administration’s surge in federal law enforcement resources — including additional agents, tools, and a firm mandate — for the turnaround in the nation’s capital, which had previously struggled with high crime rates.
The initiative, launched in August 2025, has involved multi-agency operations and street sweeps. Officials have emphasized prosecuting crime aggressively while supporting community safety efforts, including clean-up operations by National Guard members.
The latest announcement signals continued momentum into the summer months, with intensified operations planned to maintain and build on the gains. Pirro’s office has stressed that these efforts aim to ensure Washington, D.C., remains safe for residents, visitors, and the upcoming national commemorations.
Critics of the federal involvement have raised concerns about local autonomy, but supporters point to the measurable declines in violence as evidence of success.
The full video of Pirro’s remarks is available via her official X account. Law enforcement officials continue to urge public cooperation in reporting crime and supporting neighborhood safety initiatives.
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