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Austin Police Department-Minnesota

FOR RELEASE-
Armed Robbery

on Wednesday, 10/01/2025 around 9:20pm, the Austin Police Department was dispatched to a local gas station (By The Way Food-mart and Gas) on Oakland Place right by Hoot&Ole’s bar. The store clerk reported one male, possibly Hispanic, walked in wearing all black carrying a handgun.

The male demanded money and then ran off, last seen north on 12th St, in front of where the store is located. If you have credible information to assist us in capturing the suspect, please contact the Austin Police Department through dispatch.
507-437-9400 Ex #1. Thank you.

DC Police Chief Retains Command After Legal Battle With Trump Administration

By Police Upload Staff

Washington, D.C. — A dramatic showdown over control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) ended late this week with Chief Pamela Smith retaining command of the city’s police force after a federal order to replace her was rolled back.

The Dispute

The conflict began when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order directing that DEA Administrator Terry Cole assume “all powers and duties” of Chief Smith, effectively sidelining the city’s top cop. The order stated Smith would have to receive approval from Cole before issuing directives to MPD.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb immediately challenged the move, calling it “unlawful” and warning it would endanger both public safety and officer safety. Chief Smith herself declared in court filings that the order represented the greatest threat to law and order she had seen in her 30-year career.

Courtroom Clash

The city filed suit, and after an emergency court hearing, the Department of Justice rescinded Bondi’s original order. Instead of taking command, Cole will now serve as an intermediary between the Trump administration and MPD leadership.

Judge Ana Reyes noted that while the Home Rule Act gives the White House authority to direct D.C.’s mayor in matters of public safety, it does not grant full control over the MPD’s chain of command.

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Federal Pressure in the Capital

President Donald Trump has made it clear he intends to exert federal influence over policing in Washington, citing crime concerns and a 1970s law that allows the federalization of MPD for “federal purposes.”

In recent days, the administration has deployed:
• 800 National Guard troops
• 500 federal law enforcement agents (including FBI personnel)
• Armored vehicles near landmarks
• Checkpoints in nightlife corridors
• Helicopters over tourist areas

Federal officials say the crackdown has already resulted in 189 arrests, including 39 related to fi****ms.

Political Divide

Bowser, a Democrat, has rejected Trump’s framing of the city as being in crisis, calling the moves “an authoritarian push.”

Federal officials, however, maintain the effort is about restoring order. Bondi stated on social media that local leaders continue “to oppose our efforts to improve public safety.”

The Crime Data Reality

Despite the federal rhetoric, crime numbers tell a different story. According to MPD’s own data:
• Violent crime in D.C. fell sharply in 2024 to its lowest level in three decades.
• In 2025, violent crime has dropped 26% year-to-date compared with 2024.
• Robbery reports are down 28% over the same period.

These figures raise questions about the justification for deploying troops and federalizing aspects of MPD.

Final Thoughts

For the first time in history, a sitting president attempted to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department by replacing its chief. While that effort was blocked in court, the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on D.C. through the use of federal forces and mandates.