In a shocking and urgent announcement, President Donald Trump has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty for murder convictions in Washington, D.C., following a recent surge in violent crime. During a marathon cabinet meeting, Trump declared, “If somebody kills somebody in the capital, we’ll be seeking the death penalty. That’s a very strong preventative.” This statement comes on the heels of the city recording its first homicide in two weeks, pushing the total number of murders in D.C. to 102 for the year.

The grim statistics underscore a growing crisis, prompting Trump to order reinforcements to the D.C. police force, which is currently down by 800 officers. The White House reported over 1,000 arrests this month alone, as part of a broader crackdown on crime. Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I don’t know if we’re ready for it in this country, but we have no choice.”

The president’s remarks coincide with a significant law enforcement operation, which recently led to the arrest of 12 individuals connected to a drug trafficking ring in the capital. The operation, described as a critical step in “cleaning up the district,” involved the seizure of multiple weapons and highlights the seriousness of the crime wave affecting the community.

As over 2,300 National Guardsmen patrol the streets, legislative efforts are underway to combat crime more effectively. Trump confirmed that he is collaborating with congressional leaders on a comprehensive crime bill, signaling a decisive move to address public safety concerns head-on. As the nation watches closely, the urgency of Trump’s message reverberates through the halls of power: the time for action is now.