Military lawyers to handle civilian crimes in DC

Military attorneys will be working alongside federal prosecutors based in Washington, D.C., taking on civilian cases as President Trump ramps up the takeover of local law enforcement in the nation’s capital.

Twenty members of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps will be detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C., a spokesperson confirmed.

“The assignment of 20 JAGs to my office is further proof of President Trump’s commitment to fighting and reducing crime in the district,” Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for D.C., said in a statement.

It’s an unusual role for military attorneys, who typically represent the armed forces, as well as soldiers in legal disputes.

The U.S. attorney’s office in D.C. is also unlike other officers, prosecuting not only federal crimes but also criminal matters that come before the D.C. Superior Court.

NBC News first reported the development.

It also suggests the Trump administration needs to bolster the Justice Department workforce amid a surge of focus on D.C. as well as widespread firings and resignations that have left the department understaffed.

Pirro has complained about staffing shortages in her office, saying she was down “90 prosecutors, 60 investigators and paralegals” during an appearance on Fox News.

“If you want a job in the nation’s capital in the premier office, the largest U.S. attorney’s office, contact me,” she said earlier this month.

The drop in staff comes as Trump officials ousted prosecutors who worked on cases prosecuting rioters who stormed the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.