Trump Orders Police to Clear Out Homeless Encampments

On Friday, Washington cleared out multiple homeless encampments as a part of President Trump’s attempt to declare federal authority over the city’s policing.

At the same time, the removal of the homeless plus the takeover of the police caused opposition from the public.

Outside the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters at Judiciary Square on Friday, around noon, a small group of people held signs that said, “We do not consent” and “Resist!”

According to the National Homelessness Law Center and other people who observed police action, Jesse Rabinowitz said that the Metropolitan Police Department, which is now overseen by federal authorities, cleared out at least three encampments on Friday.

According to Fox News, Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole will help run the Metropolitan Police Department. He promised to let the local cops be able to “do their job again.”

The NPR article “How long can Trump’s D.C. takeover last? Here’s what to know” states that the president can temporarily use the D.C. police if he thinks that “special conditions of an emergency nature exist which require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes,” according to Section 740 of the Home Rule Act. It also says that he can only do that for up to thirty days.

Witnesses reported that officers discarded tents, sleeping bags, and other belongings into trash piles. Meanwhile, organizations that help the homeless are prepared for additional sweeps on Friday afternoon and evening. The clearings had started late Thursday.

In certain situations, officers removed homeless people despite official city health department notices stating they could remain for a couple more days. Those notices had been attached to tents in Washington Circle since Thursday morning.