DEA Head Takes Control of D.C. Police | JQJO

Attorney General Pam Bondi, following President Trump's order to federalize D.C. law enforcement, has appointed DEA head Terry Cole as the city's emergency police commissioner. This effectively overrides D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith's authority, requiring her approval from Cole for all directives. The move, justified by Bondi as a response to perceived "sanctuary policies," places Cole in control of the Metropolitan Police Department for the duration of the 30-day emergency declaration. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser previously stated that Smith would work with federal forces, but hasn't yet commented on Bondi's action.