Washington, D.C., Police Chief Pamela Smith to Resign

On November 26, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national with ties to the CIA, allegedly opened fire on two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in Washington, D.C., critically injuring them. This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of Afghan fighters who assisted U.S. forces and their struggles in the U.S. after evacuation from Afghanistan.

President Trump has confirmed a $12 billion assistance package for American farmers, emphasizing their importance as the backbone of the nation. He also announced that China has committed to purchasing $40 billion worth of American soybeans, addressing ongoing concerns about trade and rising prices in the agricultural sector.

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith announced her resignation effective December 31, 2025, after serving for over two years. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for her time in the role, emphasizing her appreciation for the District of Columbia. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the National Guard's presence in the city and federal pressures surrounding law enforcement practices.

A new winter storm is developing over the mid-Atlantic region, affecting areas as far south as North Carolina and Virginia, shortly after Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia experienced their first snowfall of the season.

D.C. police chief Pamela Smith has resigned after two and a half years in her position, amid increasing federal pressure and a controversy surrounding the manipulation of crime statistics in Washington. This resignation comes at a time when the integrity of law enforcement data is under scrutiny.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that Police Chief Pamela Smith is stepping down, effective December 31, 2025. This decision marks a significant leadership change within the Metropolitan Police Department, where Smith has served for two and a half years as the first Black woman to hold the position.