Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia

This Executive Order (EO 14333) declares a “crime emergency” in the District of Columbia and uses the authority in section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to require the Mayor to provide the services of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for “Federal purposes.” The order delegates the President’s authority under section 740 to the U.S. Attorney General, who will direct what MPD services are necessary, monitor conditions, and report regularly to the President. The order is effective immediately and instructs the Mayor to provide MPD services for the maximum period allowed under section 740. The stated purpose is to protect Federal buildings, national monuments, Federal employees and functions, and to ensure public order in the Nation’s capital. Practically, the order shifts operational control over MPD services used for federal protection to the Attorney General, potentially reprioritizing police resources toward federal needs. The EO also includes usual legal and budgeting qualifiers (it must be implemented consistent with law and available appropriations) and contains a severability clause.