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Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald, U.S. Marshals Director Gadyaces Serralta and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced an expanded summer public safety initiative in Washington, D.C., as the city prepares for major events tied to the nation’s 250th Independence Day observance.
Dubbed DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force Summer Surge, the initiative is a massive effort of federal law enforcement to ensure Washington, D.C., is the safest city in America ahead of the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.
To help achieve this goal, Serralta said a request has been made for 1,500 additional National Guard members, which would bring the total troop presence in Washington to 5,000.
Participating Guard Soldiers and Air Guardsmen on duty in the nation’s capital are on federal Title 32 orders under the command of the District of Columbia National Guard.
“Our National Guard plans to grow their presence, with the number of expected visitors to the city. They will continue to provide presence for high visibility and support across the district so law enforcement can focus on their duties,” said Serralta.
President Trump initially mobilized 800 D.C. National Guard troops as part of D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, an effort to reduce crime in Washington in August 2025. That number quickly grew to more than 2,000.
Guard troops from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and the District of Columbia have also been tapped to support the Trump administration’s effort.
“This summer, Washington, D.C. will host one of the most significant, if not the most significant, national celebrations in a generation,” said McDonald.
“On July 4th, 2026, our nation marks its 250th year of independence. This city is going to be the center of this historic celebration.”
McDonald went on to list related summer events including the Great American State Fair, the freedom 250 Grand Prix and the July 4th Spirit of Independence Festival.
Pirro said since the launch of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force on Aug. 7 of 2025, “this engagement has become one of, if not the largest, modern joint law enforcement collaboration in history. The results have been undeniable.”
McDonald added that the effort has resulted in nearly 13,000 arrests, the seizure of more than 1,400 illegal firearms, the arrest of 32 murder suspects, and the recovery of 23 missing children.
Serralta reported that overall crime in the District has declined by 26%, with homicides down nearly 50% and carjackings down 60%. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it has secured more than 7,000 convictions over the past year.
The summer plan is expected to bring additional personnel and technology into the District as participating agencies increase coordination around enforcement and prevention efforts.
Planned enforcement tools include high-visibility patrols, drones, tactical K-9 units, and helicopters.
—By Michael Metz
