Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith is resigning after less than two years, amid a power struggle with former President Donald Trump over federal control of the city’s police department. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Smith’s departure, highlighting her leadership during a time of significant challenges and a reduction in violent crime rates. The resignation, effective December 31st, is reportedly due to a desire for more family time, although it follows Trump’s attempt to federalize the MPD and ongoing investigations into alleged manipulation of crime statistics. Despite the controversy, Smith’s tenure saw crime rates fall significantly in early 2024, although the MPD continues to navigate issues of accountability and federal interference.
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A DC resident, Sam O’Hara, has filed a lawsuit against DC Metro police officers after being arrested for playing Darth Vader’s theme music near National Guard troops. O’Hara was protesting the troops’ presence in the city by recording them and playing “The Imperial March,” which the ACLU lawyers argue is a form of protected expression. Despite not impeding the troops or engaging in any threatening behavior, O’Hara was arrested after an Ohio National Guard member complained about the satirical protest. The officers then handcuffed and detained O’Hara, but he was eventually released when officials realized there was no legal basis for his arrest.
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Following a series of Tesla vehicle vandalizations in D.C., police are investigating the incidents as potential hate crimes, offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of two suspects. The investigation classifies messages found on the vehicles, such as pro-Musk slogans and anti-government sentiments, as hate speech. This classification has been defended by a police spokesperson despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of some messages, reported by Politico. The Mayor’s office has stated it was uninvolved in the decision to investigate as a hate crime.
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John Q. Hosedrinker