WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant show of force and public safety action, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 53 illegal firearms in just one week—from May 19 to May 26, 2025—during targeted operations aimed at cracking down on violent, gun-related crime throughout the District.
The department’s announcement detailed the intense effort carried out by specialized units and patrol officers, who worked collaboratively to remove unlicensed and dangerous weapons from D.C. neighborhoods. Among the dozens of recovered firearms were several “ghost guns”, a growing concern for law enforcement due to their untraceable nature and accessibility.
“This is just a snapshot of our continued efforts,” an MPD spokesperson said. “Each illegal firearm taken off the streets represents a potential life saved.”
Key Recoveries and Arrests
The operation began with a significant find—a Sig Sauer P-365 X-Series 9mm handgun—recovered in the 2300 block of 11th Street, Northwest. This initiated a series of successful seizures and arrests across the city, with police responding to intelligence-led leads and community tips.
One of the most alarming discoveries was a “ghost gun”—a homemade, unregistered firearm—seized in the 3400 block of Stanton Road, Southeast. The suspect, 30-year-old Anthony Leavon Thomas, was arrested and charged in connection with this weapon. Ghost guns continue to be a major concern in urban crime, often used in violent offenses due to their lack of serial numbers and easy online assembly.
Another notable incident involved a Springfield Armory XD-45 .45 caliber handgun, found during an investigation in the 2200 block of Southern Avenue, Southeast. The recovery resulted in multiple charges against two Southeast D.C. residents, further highlighting the scale and seriousness of armed activity within the community.
Ghost Guns Fueling a Dangerous Trend
Later in the week, officers discovered another ghost gun, this time in the 2100 block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast. This weapon was linked to 28-year-old Deandre Davis, who was taken into custody. His arrest falls within a larger trend the MPD is combatting—the rise of unregistered, DIY firearms that are virtually impossible to track and are often tied to repeat violent offenders.
“Every firearm we recover, especially ghost guns, is a step toward reducing the potential for tragedy,” said an MPD detective involved in the operation.
Intelligence-Driven Policing at Work
MPD emphasized that these seizures were part of their broader “intelligence-based policing strategy.” This initiative is designed to proactively identify and neutralize the most dangerous individuals—those known for engaging in gun violence and organized crime.
Rather than waiting for crimes to happen, MPD officers are using data and surveillance tools to pinpoint areas with high firearm activity, resulting in swift interventions and arrests.
While the recovery of 53 firearms is impressive, the department noted that this number represents only a portion of ongoing enforcement efforts. Many more weapons are seized each month, often without public attention.
Community Impact and Public Safety
The MPD’s actions are receiving praise from city officials and community leaders, who recognize the critical role these recoveries play in making neighborhoods safer.
Residents in affected areas have expressed both concern and appreciation—concern for the sheer number of illegal weapons being found, and appreciation for the department’s continued vigilance in pursuing violent offenders.
“Knowing the police are working this hard to remove guns from our streets brings a level of comfort to families,” said one resident from Southeast D.C.
The Bigger Picture
Gun violence remains a persistent challenge in many parts of Washington, D.C., and cities across the U.S. The rise in ghost gun recoveries is especially troubling, and the MPD’s weekly updates serve as both a warning and a call for action.
Law enforcement encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or illegal firearm possession by contacting MPD at (202) 727-9099 or by texting tips to 50411.
As the MPD continues its work, the message remains clear: Illegal guns will not be tolerated, and efforts to track, recover, and prosecute offenders will persist in full force.
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