White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre this week attempted to blame Republicans for rising crime in Washington, D.C.
"The president—unlike Republicans—has actually put forth billions of dollars," Jean-Pierre said during a Tuesday press conference when asked about the carjacking of Democratic representative Henry Cuellar (Texas). "Let's not forget, there were billions of dollars in his American Rescue Plan so that local communities and the state and federal police as well—law enforcement—were able to make sure that they had the funding so that they can hire more law enforcement."
She added that "Republicans have not helped."
When Fox News reporter Peter Doocy pushed back, noting that D.C. is "run by a bunch of Democrats," Jean-Pierre deflected and said she is "going to speak to what the president has done."
Cuellar was carjacked Monday in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
"As Congressman Cuellar was parking his car this evening, 3 armed assailants approached the congressman and stole his vehicle," Jacob Hochberg, Cuellar's chief of staff, said in a statement. "Luckily, he was not harmed and is working with local law enforcement. Thank you to Metro PD and Capitol Police for their swift action and for recovering the congressman’s vehicle."
In D.C., according to the city's former police chief, "the average homicide suspect has been arrested 11 times prior to them committing a homicide."