Trump tries to bring back death sentences for Washington, D.C. murder

president Donald Trump He said he plans to commit murder in the U.S. capital for murder in Washington.

“If someone kills someone in the capital Washington, D.C., we’re going to seek the death penalty,” Trump told reporters at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “It’s a very powerful precaution. Everyone who hears it is consistent. I don’t know if we’re ready to be ready in this country, but we have. … We have no choice.”

In 1972, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Furman v. Georgia ruled that the death penalty violated the Eighth Amendment provisions and prohibited cruel and unusual punishments, while the DC Council formally revoked the death penalty in 1981.

Twenty-seven states still allow death penalty, while 23 states do not. Four states – California, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Oregon – were executed in their states under the orders of their respective governors.

Some National Guards are now equipped in Washington, D.C.

No other details available immediately. The White House digitized Fox News back to Trump’s comments at a cabinet meeting.

On August 11, Trump announced plans to deploy troops from the District of Columbia National Guard and the federal government will resolve crimes in Washington. Since then, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said more than 1,000 people have been arrested and as of Monday, there have been no homicide for 12 consecutive days.

Hundreds of people arrested as Trump’s Washington, DC, and criminal crackdowns sprint forward

President Donald Trump spoke with law enforcement officers and National Guard soldiers in Washington on August 21, 2025. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP photo)

Trump was initially part of reducing crime in Washington, but Trump was initially part of reducing crime in Washington, but now National Guard forces from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee have also been deployed to Washington to support the Trump administration’s efforts.

Emergency situations in which the Sovereignty Act of 1973 authorizes the temporary acquisition of the Metropolitan Police Department, up to 30 days. But after 30 days, Congress must approve any extensions.

However, in the National Rule Act, DC National Guard forces do not have similar restrictions.

Trump has long supported the death penalty and signed an executive order in January titled “Restore the death penalty and protect public safety.” The order directs the Attorney General to “sent to death for all serious sexual offences required to use”.

“The death penalty is an important tool to stop and punish those who will commit the most heinous crimes and deadly violence against American citizens,” the order said. “Before, during and after the founding of the United States, our cities, states and states have relied on the death penalty as the ultimate deterrent and the only appropriate punishment for the worst crimes.”

National Guard from six red states travels to the District of Columbia to help resolve crimes

The National Guard was stationed at Union Station when commuters and tourists arrived. （Fox News Digital/Emma Woodhead）