Restoring Law and Order in the District of Columbia

Summary:
This Presidential Memorandum directs the Secretary of Defense to mobilize the District of Columbia National Guard to address violent crime in Washington, D.C. It cites recent high-profile incidents and asserts a federal responsibility to protect citizens, federal workers, and the functioning of government in the nation’s capital. The mobilization remains in effect until law and order are restored and may be augmented with additional National Guard forces coordinated with state governors.

Key Points:

• Purpose and context: Declares that D.C. is experiencing uncontrolled violent crime that threatens citizens, tourists, staff, and federal operations, calling it a national disgrace.
• Federal duty: Emphasizes the President’s responsibility to ensure public safety in the capital so government can function without fear of violent crime.
• Mobilization order: Directs the Secretary of Defense to activate the D.C. National Guard in numbers deemed necessary, with no fixed end date until conditions improve.
• Coordination with states: Authorizes coordination with governors to activate additional National Guard units as needed to support the mission.
• Legal note: Clarifies the memorandum does not create enforceable rights or benefits.

Notable Lines:

• “It is my solemn duty to protect law-abiding citizens from the destructive forces of criminal activity.”
• “It is a point of national disgrace that Washington, D.C., has a violent crime rate that is higher than some of the most dangerous places in the world.”