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Fact check: Has DC had a murder in last 10 days?
1. Summary of the results
Based on the available analyses, Washington D.C. has not had a murder in the last 10 days. Multiple sources confirm this finding:
- Newsweek reported that as of Monday evening, Washington D.C. had not recorded a homicide for 12 days [1], which directly answers the question with a definitive "no."
- CNN reported that there have been no murders since August 13, indicating no murder in the last 13 days [2], and noted that President Donald Trump stated there have been no murders in DC over the last week according to public MPD data [2].
- Official Metropolitan Police Department data shows 101 homicides as of August 25, 2025, representing a decrease compared to 2024 levels [3].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The original question lacks important context about D.C.'s broader crime patterns and recent political developments:
- The 12-day homicide-free period is notable enough to warrant news coverage, suggesting such stretches may be relatively uncommon in the city [1].
- Recent federal intervention has occurred, with President Trump signing an executive order taking control of the D.C. police department, which coincided with this period of reduced homicides [2].
- There are ongoing concerns about data reliability, as Congress is investigating allegations that D.C. police manipulated crime data [4], which could affect public trust in official statistics.
- The question focuses on a very narrow timeframe without considering broader crime trends or seasonal patterns that might provide more meaningful context about public safety in the district.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original question itself appears neutral and factual rather than containing obvious misinformation. However, there are potential concerns about data accuracy:
- The reliability of official crime statistics is under scrutiny due to congressional investigations into alleged data manipulation by D.C. police [4].
- Political figures like President Trump may benefit from highlighting periods of reduced crime during federal intervention, potentially using selective timeframes to support policy narratives [2].
- The question's narrow 10-day window could be strategically chosen to either highlight or obscure broader crime trends, depending on the questioner's intent.
The analyses suggest the answer is straightforward based on available data, but the broader context reveals ongoing debates about crime statistics reliability and political control over law enforcement in the nation's capital.