DC's Crime Fight: A Clash of Laws and Leaders

In Washington, DC, a battle is brewing over crime and justice.

Tougher Laws for Young Offenders

Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney, is pushing for tougher laws, especially for young offenders. She believes the city's current laws are too lenient. For example, a 19-year-old with a gun who shoots someone might only get probation, not jail time. Pirro wants this to change.

Drop in Homicides, But Laws Need Change

Pirro points to a drop in homicides since President Trump took control of DC's police. There were 274 murders in 2023, but only 122 so far in 2025. That's a big drop. But she says the city's laws still need to change. Congress has tried to help, but the Senate hasn't acted yet.

Challenges in the Courtroom

Pirro also faces challenges in the courtroom. Some judges let young offenders go, thinking it's the right thing to do. She disagrees. She believes they should be held accountable. She also struggles with juries. In a city where most voters support the Democratic Party, it's hard to find impartial jurors for certain cases.

Blame on the Biden Administration

Pirro blames the Biden administration and her predecessor for not supporting police enough. She says they didn't file charges in many cases. Her predecessor, Matthew Graves, said the crime lab's lost certification was to blame. But Pirro is determined to make things right. She's focused on victims and holding abusers accountable.