Crime is down in Washington, D.C., but still a reality in some neighborhoods

NPR
3m read
Joe McClean, a lawyer, poses for a portrait in southeast Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13, 2025. McClean worries about the deployment of the National Guard and federal police, and believes it is unnecessary.

Residents across Washington have different takes on crime in their communities. Overwhelmingly, however, people opposed President Trump's takeover of the city with federal agents and National Guard troops.

(Image credit: Maansi Srivastava)

www.npr.org