ABC News Anchor Recalls Being Jumped Near DC Studio Amid Crime Data Investigation

ABC News anchor Kyra Phillips recounted a personal experience of being "jumped" by a half-dressed homeless man in downtown Washington, D.C., near her bureau, highlighting ongoing crime issues despite official statistics showing a decrease in violent crime. Phillips emphasized that violent incidents, including shootings and car thefts, continue to occur frequently in the area, with two shootings and one death near the bureau in the past six months. Her account came amid President Donald Trump's announcement of a federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deployment of the National Guard to address the city's crime surge. Trump described the city as being "overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals," pledging a crackdown on violence and naming Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee the initiative. While official data indicates a 26% reduction in violent crime compared to 2024, the district has still recorded 99 homicides in 2025, and there are concerns about potential data manipulation within the police department. Phillips' testimony underscores the tension between official crime statistics and residents' and workers' lived experiences in Washington, D.C.