New Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s Federal Takeover of D.C. Police

The District of Columbia is suing to block President Donald Trump’s takeover of its police department, arguing the move violates the city’s autonomy, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The move left the status of current police chief Pamela Smith, appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, in limbo. (Photo: DC Police Union Facebook) 

Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed the suit Friday, hours after Trump’s Justice Department installed a federal official as “emergency head” of the Metropolitan Police Department, effectively stripping local control. Schwalb said the takeover “is the gravest threat to Home Rule the District has ever faced.”

The administration announced last week that Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole will assume all powers of the police chief. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the MPD must now seek Cole’s approval before issuing orders.

The move left the status of current police chief Pamela Smith, appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, in limbo.

Bowser rejected the takeover, posting on social media: “There is no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”