Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force Marks One Year of Relentless Action Against Violent Crime

WASHINGTON - One year ago, on August 11, 2025, the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force launched with a single mission: take violent criminals off the streets of the nation's capital. One year later, the results speak for themselves. President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C. and the federal surge began shortly after.

This has been the largest, most aggressive law enforcement collaboration ever assembled to confront crime in a major American city - federal, state, and local law enforcement standing shoulder to shoulder with the National Guard, refusing to accept violence as the status quo in Washington, D.C.

The numbers are staggering with over 16,000 arrests:

     • 35 homicide suspects apprehended
     • More than 100 known gang members taken off the streets
     • Over 3,200 narcotics arrests
     • Nearly 2000 illegal firearms seized
     • 25 missing children located and returned home

The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force is just getting started.

This task force exists because of tragedy and the need for safety in our Nation’s capital. On June 30, 2025, 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian was gunned down as an innocent bystander to a violent Northwest Washington shootout, a senseless act of violence that became the catalyst for this entire operation.

The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force acted quickly by locating Jailen Lucas, 17, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, who were arrested and charged as adults by September 5, 2025. The third suspect, Naqwan Lucas, 18, was apprehended on October 29, 2025, and charged with a second indictment for the July 4, 2025 murder of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley.

The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force delivered justice again in October, arresting Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, and Anthony Taylor, 18, for a violent August 3, 2025, attempted carjacking, robbery, and beating of a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer.

On January 16, during a large-scale warrant operation, D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force members took down Jose Vladimir Merlos-Manjano,18, and two more confirmed MS-13 gang members wanted on first-degree murder warrants in the August 2025 shooting death of a 14-year-old boy in Prince George's County, Maryland. Three dangerous fugitives off the streets.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners have delivered extraordinary results in our nation’s capital. More than 16,000 arrests, thousands of illegal drugs and firearms taken off the streets, and dangerous violent offenders brought to justice mean safer neighborhoods and lives protected. We will not relent until every community in Washington, D.C., is safe,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche.

"The men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service, along with our partners from so many federal and local agencies, have tirelessly worked to make D.C. safer for those who live here and for those who visit our nation's capital," said Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. "This operation shows the relentless dedication we have to investigate and apprehend the most violent, dangerous fugitives. When law enforcement works together, the impact is exponential. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force is proof of that the whole-of-government approach works.”

"President Trump has transformed our nation’s capital from a crime-ridden city into a safe and beautiful haven for residents and visitors alike. The President’s Safe and Beautiful Task Force have made more than 16,000 arrests including murderers, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals. The Task Force has driven down crime, beautified the city, and improved quality of life for countless individuals,” said Lauren Bis, White House Spokeswoman.

While reflecting on these accomplishments, the USMS also remembers the service and sacrifice of two of our task force members. On November 26, 2025, while working this mission, specially deputized National Guardsmen were ambushed in a targeted shooting while on patrol. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe of the West Virginia Air National Guard and Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom were shot and severely wounded. Specialist Beckstrom succumbed to her wounds and paid the ultimate sacrifice the following day. Staff Sgt. Wolfe continues his recovery, and the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force will never forget Sarah or Andrew’s courage.

"The true impact of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission is written not only in statistics, but the impact on our community. It is found in the courage of those who serve so that others could move through our nation’s capital with greater safety and peace. Alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners, our Guardsmen have answered that call with discipline, compassion, and resolve. Sgt. Sarah Beckstrom gave the last full measure of devotion, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe endured a profound sacrifice in service to others. Their courage will forever be part of this mission’s legacy. We honor them by carrying the work forward -united in purpose, steadfast in service, and committed to protect the people of Washington, D.C.", said Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard.

One year in, the message is clear: violent criminals will be found, arrested, and held accountable. No matter how long it takes. The Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force will not stop until every neighborhood in the nation's capital is safe.

Anyone with information about violent crimes, illegal guns, or wanted fugitives across the nation and in Washington D.C. is urged to come forward immediately through the USMS Tips app. 

Photos of D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force