Reference News, August 27 report - According to AFP, August 26, US President Trump said on August 26 that all murder cases in Washington should resume death penalty sentences, while Washington D.C. abolished the death penalty after 1981.

Trump said at a cabinet meeting at the White House: "If someone kills another person in Washington, we will resume the death penalty. This will be a strong deterrent." The Trump administration also wants to resume death penalty sentences for murder at the federal level, rather than leaving this power with local governments.

However, this Republican president, who strongly supports the death penalty, may have to seek changes in the law from Washington D.C., which is a traditional Democratic stronghold. Washington D.C. does not belong to any state and has a unique status, with its council having oversight over the city's affairs.

In 1992, after an aide to a member of Congress was murdered, the Washington D.C. Council ordered a referendum to decide whether to restore the death penalty in Washington, but two-thirds of the voters opposed it.

Since returning to the White House in early January, Trump signed an executive order calling for the expansion of the death penalty for "the most heinous crimes," suggesting that federal prosecutors should bring more such charges.

Trump's remarks are part of his actions to restore order in Washington, which he believes has been "invaded by violent gangs." For this, he ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, and now some armed National Guard personnel are patrolling the streets.

Trump also asked Defense Secretary Hegseth to establish a special force around the National Guard, "responsible for ensuring the order and security of the capital." He also announced that Washington would hire more police officers and prosecutors.

Out of the 50 U.S. states, 23 have abolished the death penalty, three states have delayed abolishing it, and three states have suspended executions but expressed a desire to restore them. (Translated by Lu Longjun)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7543203092230128191/

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