President Donald Trump delivered a fiery address condemning what he described as a “shocking and savage” wave of violence sweeping Washington, D.C., citing recent incidents that he says highlight the city’s growing lawlessness.

“Just this past weekend, gunfire went through the Navy Yard,” Trump said, adding that the suspects “fought back against police” and warning, “They fight back until you knock the hell out of them because it’s the only language they understand… They’re not going to be fighting back for long.”

Trump detailed several examples of recent violent crimes, including an attack on a former staff member of the DOGE team, who was reportedly beaten by “a band of roving thugs” after intervening to protect a young woman from an attempted carjacking. He also recounted the June killing of a 21-year-old Congressional intern, who was struck by a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting.

The president’s comments come amid his broader push to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control, a move he says is necessary to restore safety in the capital. Critics, however, warn that such a step could spark political and legal battles over local governance and policing authority.