President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration is reviewing aggressive federal actions to restore public safety in Washington, D.C., following the fatal shooting of a congressional intern earlier this week.
The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS). He was shot and killed Monday night in the nation’s capital—an incident that has sent shockwaves through Congress and revived fears about soaring crime rates across the city.
Trump Signals Action Is Coming
When asked by Daily Caller correspondent Reagan Reese whether Congress might retake authority over Washington, Trump responded with a clear warning:
“I think that D.C. has to become a very safe place, and we’re not going to let anything bad happen to D.C. That’s our beautiful state, and we’ll have something to say about it.”
Though Trump stopped short of outlining a specific plan, senior White House sources indicate that federal measures are actively under review.
These may include:
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Expanded coordination between DHS and local law enforcement
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Possible legislation to restrict or override local governance
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Emergency funding for federal policing operations in the district
A Pattern of Violence Near the Capitol
This is not the first recent tragedy. In May, two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum, another act of violence within blocks of key federal buildings.
At the time, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed their identities and assured the public that federal officials were supporting the local investigation.
“Efforts to gather more information are underway,” she said.
These incidents are deepening concerns among lawmakers that Washington, D.C., has lost control of its own streets.
Congress Has the Power to Step In
Although D.C. operates under the Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants local governance, Congress retains ultimate constitutional authority over the capital. Lawmakers can override local laws, control the budget, and even revoke home rule entirely.
Republicans and some moderate Democrats are now openly debating whether such a move may be necessary to restore law and order.
Disturbing Crime Stats Fuel Calls for Federal Oversight
A new report from the Heritage Foundation, citing data from the D.C. Sentencing Commission, reveals troubling trends:
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Fewer than 2% of those arrested for illegal gun possession were sentenced to prison between 2018 and 2022.
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In 2024 alone, nearly 2,900 illegal firearms were recovered by D.C. police.
With numbers like these, critics argue that lenient sentencing and lack of enforcement are fueling the chaos.
“How is this acceptable in the seat of American power?” asked one House lawmaker anonymously. “We’re going to see more federal control, and it’s long overdue.”
What Comes Next?
Although no executive order has been announced yet, Trump is expected to deliver a major policy speech in the coming days focusing on D.C.’s crime crisis.
Insiders hint at the possibility of:
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A federal crime task force dedicated to the D.C. metro area
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Enhanced presence of U.S. Marshals and DHS agents
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Congressional hearings to review and potentially revoke aspects of the Home Rule Act
Political Pressure Builds on Mayor and City Council
The D.C. government, led by a Democrat-majority council and Mayor Muriel Bowser, has come under intense national scrutiny.
Multiple members of Congress are demanding immediate answers and accountability following the death of Tarpinian-Jachym and other high-profile acts of violence.
“We owe it to Eric’s family and every American who lives or works here to make this city safe again,” said Rep. Estes in a public statement.
