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Attorney General's Appointment Sparks Legal Battle Over Police Authority

8/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Terry Cole as Washington's emergency police commissioner, granting him police chief powers.
Cole has over 31 years of law enforcement experience and previously served as Virginia's secretary of public safety.
The D.C. Attorney General challenged Bondi's directive, declaring it unlawful and emphasizing local officers must adhere to the mayor's orders.

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Story summary

Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Terry Cole as Washington's emergency police commissioner, granting him police chief powers.
Cole has over 31 years of law enforcement experience and previously served as Virginia's secretary of public safety.
The D.C. Attorney General challenged Bondi's directive, declaring it unlawful and emphasizing local officers must adhere to the mayor's orders.