U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. addressed a press conference on May 13 at the Patrick Henry Building in Washington, D.C., to discuss his role as the District of Columbia's top prosecutor and various challenges facing the district.
Martin began by reflecting on his appointment by President Donald J. Trump as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, describing it as a significant assignment that has garnered much attention: "When President Donald J. Trump asked me to be his U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, I immediately accepted because I knew it was a tip of the spear assignment—and I knew if I did the job the way President Trump wanted done, it would get plenty of attention—and so has."
He expressed pride in efforts to improve safety in Washington, stating, "I am proud of what we have done to Make DC Safe Again." Martin also announced his new role as Director of the Weaponization Working Group and DOJ Pardon Attorney, expressing confidence in Judge Jeanine Pirro's capabilities: "I loved my job as D.C.’s U.S. Attorney, but I am really going to love how judge Jeanine Pirro takes up mission with her passion and intelligence and real-world experience as a prosecutor and judge."
Highlighting recent initiatives against illegal immigration, Martin praised law enforcement efforts: "We have recently completely an illegal immigration initiative. I salute the brave men and women of law enforcement who are making D.C. safer by capturing illegal aliens – including 189 in the last week alone." He commended Jonathan Hornok and other partners for their work on Operation Restore Justice.
However, Martin voiced concerns about Washington's status as a Sanctuary City: "I want to warn the district residents that the D.C. local leadership has made D.C. a Sanctuary City. This makes D.C. more dangerous not safer." He criticized decisions within the justice system that he believes compromise public safety: "Recently, two Fentanyl dealers found in possession of multiple guns were not detained in court."
Martin referenced crime reduction achievements during Trump's presidency while emphasizing ongoing challenges: "The president was gracious recently to remind people we reduced crime 25 percent in the president’s first 100 Days—but it was not easy."
As discussions about Washington's governance continue ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebration, Martin called for reevaluation: "As we approach the president’s America250 celebration, there needs to be a robust discussion about D.C.’s Sanctuary City status and its justice system —and if that means Home Rule goes away, so be it."
Following these remarks, Martin opened the floor for questions from attendees.