President Donald Trump moved earlier this month to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department while also deploying National Guard troops as part of an effort aimed at combating crime in Washington, D.C.

While that order left Democrats seething, Trump recently went further by confirming that he wants executions brought back to the nation's capital. 

Trump: "We're going to be seeking the death penalty"

According to Breitbart, the president made that announcement during a cabinet meeting held at the White House on Tuesday.

"If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, DC, we’re going to be seeking the death penalty," Trump was quoted as telling reporters.

🚨 @POTUS: "If somebody kills somebody in the capital — Washington, D.C. — we're going to be seeking the death penalty." pic.twitter.com/Aa47sLzDbk

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 26, 2025

"And that’s a very strong preventative, and everybody that’s heard it agrees with it. I don’t know if we’re ready for it in this country, but we… have no choice," he went on to assert.

Fox News recalled how capital punishment has long been absent from Washington, with the D.C. Council officially rescinding it in 1981.

Attorney general highlights number of arrests and gun seizures

Trump's declaration came one day after Attorney General Pam Bondi put up a social media post touting the number of arrests and gun seizures which have taken place in Washington, D.C.

"Over 1,000 arrests and more than 100 illegal guns seized," Bondi wrote. "Last night, another 86 arrests including multiple suspects accused of assaulting law enforcement and National Guard — and a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member."

Breitbart noted how Bondi's words were welcomed by some social media users, with one person writing, "Thank you for keeping D.C. safe!"

"I've lost count of how many times I couldn’t walk because it wasn’t safe and had to take a car service just to go a few blocks to move around the city," the person claimed.

Report: Bill concerning D.C. to be introduced next month

Meanwhile, Fox News reported on Wednesday that the House Oversight Committee is planning to advance several bills next month concerning public safety in Washington.

The network cited an unnamed source who indicated that the legislation will "combat juvenile crime in D.C., address the D.C. education system, and end restrictive policing policies enacted by the D.C. Council that prevent law enforcement from keeping residents and visitors safe."

What's more, the committee has scheduled a hearing next month which will feature D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.