DC AG Schwalb: Trump Administration's Attempted Police Takeover Was 'Flagrantly Illegal'

Court Ruling on DC Police Control

• 🏛️ The Home Rule Act clearly grants the Mayor the authority to appoint the chief of police and control local policing.
• ⚖️ A judge recognized the federal government's attempt to appoint someone to run the D.C. police force as flagrantly illegal.
• 📌 Chief Pamela Smith, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, remains the chief of police for the District of Columbia.

Federal Government's Withdrawal and Future Implications

• 🚫 The federal government withdrew its attempt to assert control over the D.C. police department.
• ✍️ They plan to rewrite the language that suggested a DEA official was running the police department.
• ✅ This ruling represents a significant win for home rule in Washington D.C., preventing a hostile takeover of the police force.
• 🤝 Chief Smith continues to command the D.C. police department under the Mayor's supervision.