Resolution of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, and its D.C. Chapter

NCBL Denounces the Federal Takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the Militarization of the District of Columbia

WHEREAS, the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) and its D.C. Chapter stand committed to the protection of hu

man and civil rights, the defense of Black communities against systemic oppression and government-sanctioned overreach, consistent with its mission to serve as the legal arm of the Movement for Black Liberation.

WHEREAS, President Donald J. Trump has invoked powers under the District of Columbia

Home Rule Act of 1973 to effectuate an unprecedented federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, that on its face appears racially motivated, undermining local governance and the autonomy of the District’s elected leadership;

WHEREAS, President Trump, in furtherance of his federal takeover, has deployed federal military personnel and FBI agents across the District of Columbia under the clearly false pretext of addressing a purported surge in violent crime when there is clear and compelling evidence to the contrary;

WHEREAS, official statistics from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department indicate that violent crime has declined over the past two years, including a 26% reduction in the current year; and, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia reported in January 2025, that overall crime in the District is at a 30-year low;

WHEREAS, these actions represent an illegitimate public safety initiative and a continuation of the President’s blatant and targeted attacks on Black communities and communities of color, consistent with his stated intention to target additional predominantly Black cities and those led by Black mayors;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Conference of Black Lawyers and its D.C. Chapter unequivocally denounce the federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the militarization of the District of Columbia;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that President Trump’s use of a clearly false narrative of lawlessness used to justify these actions underscores his unfitness to lead a country that should be striving to make real the democratic principles outlined in its Constitution and Bill of Rights. NCBL and its D.C. Chapter, therefore, call upon all legal professionals, civil rights organizations, and elected officials to stand in defense of D.C.’s sovereignty and the rights of its residents;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that NCBL and its D.C. Chapter reaffirm our commitment to resisting all forms of racialized state violence and authoritarian overreach. NCBL and its D.C. Chapter demand accountability, transparency, and respect for the democratic will of the people of the District of Columbia.

Adopted this 19th day of August, 2025 by the National Conference of Black Lawyers and its D.C. Chapter.