Justice Department Investigates Washington DC Police Crime Data Manipulation

The Justice Department, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, is investigating whether the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime data to falsely portray a decline in violent crime. The probe began after Commander Michael Pulliam was placed on paid leave over allegations of altering crime statistics in his district, which he denies, and may expand to include other officials. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the investigation, accusing the city of providing 'fake crime numbers' to create a false sense of safety and highlighting his administration's federal intervention in D.C. policing. Meanwhile, Mayor Muriel Bowser and local officials maintain that violent crime has decreased significantly, citing police data showing a 26-27% drop in violent crime year-over-year. The local police union has expressed skepticism about the reported crime decrease, suggesting data manipulation and downgrading of felony charges. The investigation reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and Washington, D.C., over control of the police department and public safety narratives.