TLT Explains

After Dismissing DC Crime, Baker Complains Trump Isn't Fixing It

By The Liberty Tribune Staff

Published: 9/18/2025 · Updated: 9/18/2025 · 5 min read

Peter Baker faults Trump on D.C. crime after previously downplaying it.

What's happening

After Dismissing DC Crime, Baker Complains Trump Isn't Fixing It — Families of victims of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants are voicing their frustrations over the Biden administration's immigration policies. They argue that these policies have contributed to a rise in crime and have left them without justice, prompting a call for accountability and reform. Explainer As A Former DC Cop, The Federal Takeover Was The Right Move Tragic Incidents Highlight Concerns Joe Abraham, whose daughter Katie was killed in a tragic car crash involving an illegal immigrant, expressed his anger and confusion over the legal processes surrounding such cases. Katie Abraham, 20, and her friend Chloe Polzin, 21, were struck by an SUV driven by Julio Cucul-Bol, a Guatemalan national with a criminal history. The crash occurred in January 2024 when Cucul-Bol, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, slammed into their vehicle at nearly 80 miles per hour, resulting in devastating consequences for the victims' families. Abraham stated, "Just because the Biden administration was reckless does that mean the states individually have to become just as reckless? That’s what I don’t understand." He has been advocating for accountability and reform to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, emphasizing the need for stricter immigration enforcement and better vetting processes. Legal Challenges and Policy Implications Cucul-Bol, who fled the scene but was later apprehended, faces multiple charges, including lying to obtain a green card and possessing a false Social Security card. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for his role in the crash. Abraham's concerns extend beyond Cucul-Bol's actions; he questions how someone with such a background could obtain a driver's license in Illinois, where a new law allows undocumented immigrants to apply for standard licenses. early Thursday morning in connection with the pipe bomb incident that occurred in Washington, D.C., nearly five years ago.

Just because the Biden administration was reckless does that mean the states individually have to become just as reckless? That’s what I don’t understand.

What's at stake

Cole, 30, is accused of planting two live bombs on January 5, 2021, one near the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters and the other near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters. Explainer As A Former DC Cop, The Federal Takeover Was The Right Move Arrest Details According to a criminal complaint, surveillance footage captured an individual, now identified as Cole, placing the bombs at both locations. The devices were discovered on January 6, 2021, before they could detonate. The Department of Justice has charged Cole with transportation of an explosive device with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, as well as malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials. Cole resides in Woodbridge, Virginia, with family members and works at a bail bond business. Investigators traced the components used in the bombs back to purchases made by Cole at local retailers, including Home Depot and Walmart. They tracked his cell phone to the areas where the bombs were placed and identified his vehicle through a license plate reader. In recent days, the media has been embroiled in controversy surrounding War Secretary Pete Hegseth, following a report from The Washington Post that accused him of directing military officials to 'kill everybody' after a September 2 strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. This report has drawn sharp criticism, with many asserting it is part of a broader smear campaign against Hegseth, who has been a target since his appointment to lead the Pentagon.

Explainer Media Rush To Defend Democrats By Calling Murder 'Political' The Post's article, which relied on anonymous sources, suggested that Hegseth's orders amounted to potential war crimes, prompting calls for his resignation from some Democratic lawmakers. However, subsequent reporting from The contradicted the Post's claims, stating that while Hegseth did order the strike, his directive did not specifically address the fate of survivors from the initial missile strike. officials who spoke to The Times, Hegseth's orders were not a response to footage showing survivors from the strike. This revelation about the accuracy of the initial report and suggests that the narrative being pushed by some media outlets may be misleading. Adding to the complexity of the situation, ABC News reported that the two survivors of the strike had climbed back onto the vessel and were believed to be in communication with others, which led military officials to consider them valid targets. This detail further complicates the allegations against Hegseth and highlights the challenges of interpreting military operations in real-time. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters

The coverage highlights: Families of Victims Call for Accountability Amid Immigration Policy Concerns. The coverage highlights: FBI Arrests Brian J. Cole Jr. in Connection with 2021 D.C. Pipe Bombs. The coverage highlights: The 'War Crimes' Hoax Was Always About Taking Out Hegseth. The coverage highlights: Concerns Rise Over Political Censorship Tactics in the U.S. and U.K.. The coverage highlights: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. The coverage highlights: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition.

Key facts & context

2025-12-05: Families of Victims Call for Accountability Amid Immigration Policy Concerns. 2025-12-04: FBI Arrests Brian J. Cole Jr. in Connection with 2021 D.C. Pipe Bombs. 2025-12-04: The 'War Crimes' Hoax Was Always About Taking Out Hegseth. 2025-12-04: Concerns Rise Over Political Censorship Tactics in the U.S. and U.K.. 2025-12-04: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. 2025-12-03: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. 2025-08-21: D.C. Dems Are Furious At Trump For Stopping All The Homicides. 2025-08-18: Trump Administration's Crime Initiative Faces Media Scrutiny. 2025-08-18: After Dismissing DC Crime, Baker Complains Trump Isn't Fixing It. 2025-08-15: Dems Don't Get To Act Thoughtful About Fixing Their Crime Fiasco.

Timeline & key developments

Primary sources

News — justice.gov