WASHINGTON — A DC Councilman says it may be time to call in the National Guard after another violent weekend in the District.
Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. who represents Ward 8 says the crime in D.C. is getting out of control.
Editor's Note: The video above aired on Aug. 5, 2023.
“The crime is out of control and getting worse by the day. We must declare an emergency regarding the crime and violence in our neighborhoods and act urgently. It may be time to call on the National Guard to protect the children and innocent people that are losing their lives to this senselessness," White said. "I am tired of burying our children. We are too comfortable with the state of our city. We must take action to gain control and protect our residents. Law enforcement is only one part of how we combat public safety issues. It will take all of us to heal our community."
White held a news conference Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Good Hope Road and 16th Street Southeast – the site of a shooting on Saturday that claimed the lives of three people and wounded two others.
"I am calling on the community and its stakeholders to join us for a shooting response to speak out against the violence in our city. Elected officials cannot solve this alone," White said. "This effort requires the input and cooperation of parents, students, churches, businesses, civic associations, and even those responsible for the violence. We all must do this together. I stand ready to make our streets safe for all who walk them, not only in Ward 8, but across the District."
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White and other community leaders had a simple message about crime on Tuesday. "Enough is enough."
"We are in a war zone," White said.
Several speakers during Tuesday's press conference spoke about needing the community's help to address crime. Speakers spoke about the importance of parenting.
"I don't believe that police is the end-all solution to addressing crime in our community," White said.
Speakers included several grieving mothers who spoke passionately about crime in the community and the need for help.
"Do something!" the crowd shouted.