House Republicans launch investigation into DC Muriel Bowser and the rise in violent crime and homelessness as the nation's capital bids for statehood
- Republicans on the Oversight panel wrote the mayor to complain
- They said tent cities 'are scattered throughout the District for any tourist or commuter to see'
- They reference shooting of Tarshaqua Chappell, who was shot in her car with a young child in the backseat
- House passed DC statehood bill with Democratic votes in April on party-line vote
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee have written DC's mayor Muriel Bowser to complain about violent crime and homeless encampments in the nation's Capitol.
The letter accuses Bowser of contributing to the 'decline' of the city, which has been experiencing an economic boom in recent years – but has seen a spike in homelessness and shootings, as part of a nationwide trend.
'As violent crime and homelessness have increased at an unchecked rate throughout the city, your administration seems to have given up trying to prevent the District from falling into a state of chaos,' the lawmakers wrote.
House Republicans on the Oversight Committee have written Mayor Muriel Bowser about homelessness and crime in the city
The letter points to the September shooting of Tarshaqua Chappell, 37, of Temple Hills, Md., who was shot inside her car with a small child in the back seat.
DC has a long and contentious history with Congress, which used to exert more direct control over city affairs. The panel is run by Democrats, but is certain to clash more with the city over 'home rule' issues if Republicans take over the House.
The lawmakers also reference tent encampments in parks around the city that are visible to visitors and locals alike, Fox News reported.
'The message coming from your office regarding the future role of, and funding for, the city’s police is contributing to the decline,' the lawmakers wrote. 'As the committee of jurisdiction for all matters involving the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Republicans request information regarding this dangerous trend in the nation’s capital.'
The swats at DC come months after the House passed a bill to grant DC statehood in April, although the measure faces long odds in the Senate. The city is heavily Democratic in registration, and residents have long clamored for representation for its nearly 700,000 citizens.
'Tent cities are scattered throughout the District for any tourist or commuter to see,' they wrote. Many lawmakers fall into the commuter variety, visiting Washington during the work week before returning to their districts
House Democrats passed a DC statehood bill in April
Tents for the homeless line the median along Connecticut Avenue at Dupont Circle in Northwest, during the coronavirus pandemic, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Sgt. Aquilino Gonell of the US Capitol Police, Officer Michael Fanone of the DC Metropolitan Police, Officer Daniel Hodges of the DC Metropolitan Police and Private First Class Harry Dunn of the US Capitol Police are sworn in to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on US Capitol on July 27, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC
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The letter also mentioned a homeless encampment downtown.
'Earlier this year, residents of Mount Vernon Square wrote to the U.S. Park Police requesting homeless encampments be removed, pointing to various criminal and sanitary violations from the inhabitants,' they wrote, noting that it was denied, 'and the District’s homeless population grows.'
Tarshaqua Chappell
'Tent cities are scattered throughout the District for any tourist or commuter to see,' it says.
The city embraced the themes of protesters after George Floyd protests broke out in 2020, painting 'Black Lives Matter' on a street near the White House.
A more permanent Black Lives Matter Plaza is now under construction just across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, with the slogan spelled out in brick and concrete.
DC police testified in a congressional probe of the Jan. 6th Capitol riot, after its members rushed to relieve overwhelmed Capitol Police.
According to DC government data, homicides were up 9 per cent in 2021 compared to last year, after jumping 19 per cent the year before.
