First Day of Federal Deployment in Washington, D.C.
On the first day of the federal deployment in Washington, D.C., video captured a U.S. Park Police officer approaching a group on a front porch and focusing on a Black man who was smoking.
Officer's Interaction with Residents
The officer, without citing a specific violation, asked the man for identification after indicating he believed the cigarette might be marijuana. The resident said he lived at the house and was smoking an ordinary cigarette.
The officer then shone a light on other people on the porch and continued to question them. He told the group federal personnel were conducting checks and framed the action as part of a push to address violent crime and “quality of life” issues like smoking and drinking.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Footage of the encounter prompted swift criticism from local leaders and civil rights groups, who say the interaction illustrates concerns over racial profiling and excessive federal policing under the new directive.
Government Actions and Local Response
President Trump announced on August 11 that the National Guard and other federal f...