WASHINGTON —
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed the district’s plan to reduce violent crime and illegal firearm possession, during a news conference on Wednesday.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie Liu joined Bowser as she addressed plans to continue D.C.’s commitment to prosecute illegal guns and violent crime cases. Bowser said the partnership will guarantee more repeat, violent offenders will be held accountable for gun crimes.
"To build a safer, stronger DC, there must be swift and certain accountability when people are arrested for gun crimes," Bowser said.
Bowser said the city will remain focused on preventing crime and creating more opportunities for residents who are at risk of "perpetuating or falling victim to violent crime."
The mayor also announced plans to leverage federal resources to support D.C. Metro Police Department with criminal investigations through a partnership with the U.S. State’s Attorney’s Office. Bowser said the USAO and federal law enforcement will handle cases in District Court for convicted felons possessing guns illegally.
Bowser said the new strategy will, "send a clear message that gun violence will not be tolerated in the district."
The announcement is a part of the city’s comprehensive public safety strategy to build what the Bowser administration calls a, "safer, stronger D.C." Friday the Bowser Administration discussed their approach to balancing traditional law enforcement with public-health tools with a $6 million investment in violence intervention programs and workforce training.
Last week, 24 young men graduated from D.C. Pathways Program, a workforce development program through the Mayor’s office for at-risk men in the district.
