Washington, D.C., residents are speaking out — both for and against — President Donald Trump's move to federalize the city's police department and activate 800 National Guard soldiers.

Trump said during a Monday news conference he was invoking Section 740 of the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department.

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He cited rising crime as the reason for the takeover, but MPD statistics show a 26% drop in violent crime this year so far, compared to the same period last year.

D.C. residents and activists held a "Free DC" rally not far from the White House on 16th Street before Trump's news conference.

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