Trump signs presidential memorandum to enforce federal death penalty in nation’s capital

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum Thursday directing the Attorney General and the US Attorney for the District of Columbia (DC) to fully enforce federal capital punishment laws "to deter and punish the most heinous crimes" in the nation's capital.

"The Order directs these federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in all appropriate cases in the District of Columbia where the evidence and applicable facts justify such a sentence," a White House statement said.

It also instructs the Attorney General and the US Attorney for DC to exercise federal jurisdiction as fully as possible over crimes in Washington, DC that qualify for capital punishment, the statement noted.

"By enforcing the death penalty law against D.C.'s worst offenders, President Trump underscores his determination to protect our Nation’s capital for all Americans who visit and reside there and ensure violent criminals face the toughest consequences under law," it added.