WASHINGTON (7News) — District of Columbia residents can expect an increased federal law enforcement presence in the city on Thursday and Friday. This comes as President Donald Trump is once again threatening to take federal control of the city.

Trump's comments this week have been in response to a violent attack on a former federal employee in the Logan Circle neighborhood.

The victim, a 19-year-old former worker for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was assaulted during what D.C. police describe as an attempted carjacking early Sunday morning. The incident happened just steps from 14th Street NW — a bustling corridor lined with bars, restaurants, and residential buildings.

Police said ten juveniles were involved in the attack. A 15-year-old boy and girl from Hyattsville have been arrested. At least eight other suspects are still at large.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called the suspects “thugs” and said he would push to have juveniles as young as 14 tried as adults. He also threatened to “take federal control” of the city if local leaders don’t “get it together.”

But city officials point to data showing that crime — including in Logan Circle — is actually going down.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD):

• Violent crime in Logan Circle is down 30% compared to the same time last year
• Property crime is down 17% over that same period

SEE ALSO | Former cops divided over Trump's threat amid rising juvenile crime rates in DC

On Wednesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser's office confirmed to 7News that increased federal law enforcement presence can be expected in the next two days. Trump also made comments about bringing in the National Guard to control crime.

Still, many residents agree that some change is needed — even if they disagree with the tone of the president’s remarks.

“I agree with Trump to a degree but I also think it is a form of tribalism,” said Quintez Washington, a community navigator with District Bridges, a nonprofit that connects local youth with resources and alternatives to crime. “He’s interested in protecting his own interests and his own employees. So it makes sense.” Others say the president’s response feels out of proportion to the incident.

“Inflammatory probably, more than it needs to be,” said Logan Circle resident Ian Kehoe. “Doesn’t seem like worthy of some grand gesture. It’s a 19-year-old walking home from a bar, got into a confrontation at 3 in the morning, happens all the time. Not sure how it relates to Home Rule.”

Ronald Hampton, a retired 24-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department, said Trump’s comments should be met with more than just outrage — and that D.C. leaders could take this moment to reevaluate how they tackle crime prevention.

“I would like to see our local leaders use a little more imagination and vision when it comes to the kind of ‘crime prevention programs,’” Hampton said.

SEE ALSO | Trump again threatens DC takeover in post linked to alleged DOGE employee assault

So, what would need to happen for the federal government to actually take over D.C.?

Efforts by House and Senate Republicans to repeal the 1973 Home Rule Act, which grants Washington, D.C., residents the ability to elect their own government, face significant challenges.

The repeal bill would need 60 votes in the Senate to pass, necessitating support from some Democrats.

For more information on the D.C. Home Rule, visit its website.

D.C. police are still searching for additional suspects in Sunday’s attack. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information.

As of Wednesday evening, Bowser had not commented on the president’s remarks.