Federal Officers Warned of Potential Attack in Washington, D.C., Linked to Group Calling Itself “FLARE Coalition”
Federal law enforcement agencies were placed on alert Thursday following reports of a potential coordinated attack in the nation’s capital. According to a federal source, the warning detailed intelligence about a group known as the “FLARE Coalition,” which was allegedly preparing to target law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C., beginning Friday.
The alert, which outlined possible threats near Union Station and Columbus Circle, described a plan to disable federal vehicles, assault officers using fireworks and improvised explosives, and deploy chemical agents in an attempt to seize officers’ weapons. Authorities have not disclosed whether the threat assessment was considered credible or if specific suspects have been identified, but the report has prompted heightened security measures across several key federal installations in the city.
The FLARE Coalition, which publicly identifies as a non-violent, anti-fascist organization, claims to be protesting against President Donald Trump’s administration. The group’s stated objectives include demanding the release of unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files and calling for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office. Members describe their presence near Union Station as a “24/7 occupation.”
Despite their stated commitment to non-violence, the nature of the reported threats has alarmed federal authorities and raised concerns about the potential for clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Background: Trump’s Federalization of D.C. and the Public Safety Emergency
The security warning comes amid ongoing tensions in Washington following President Trump’s controversial decision to federalize the capital last month under a public safety emergency declaration. The move transferred command authority over local law enforcement to federal control, authorized the deployment of National Guard units, and created a new interagency initiative known as the Safe and Beautiful Task Force.
The administration said the measure was necessary to combat rising crime and urban disorder, framing it as part of a broader effort to restore law and order in the capital. Unless extended by Congress, the federal emergency declaration is set to expire next week.
While critics have accused the White House of federal overreach, administration officials argue the operation has achieved measurable results. Federal data shows that more than 1,000 arrests have been made since the initiative began, a figure the administration cites as proof of success.
President Trump has repeatedly praised the outcome, even taking to Truth Social to declare that Washington, D.C., has become a “crime-free zone.” He also commended Mayor Muriel Bowser for her cooperation with federal authorities throughout the operation.
Mayor Bowser’s Response and Continued Cooperation
Despite initial skepticism, Mayor Bowser has opted to extend the partnership with federal agencies. This week, she signed an executive order formalizing ongoing collaboration with federal law enforcement beyond the expiration of the emergency declaration.
Citing what she described as “noticeable reductions in violent crime,” Bowser’s order took immediate effect and does not include an expiration date. The move effectively institutionalizes elements of the federal initiative, ensuring continued joint operations between city and federal officials in key districts across the capital.
Federal agents have since embedded with local police units, a strategy credited with improving coordination but also drawing scrutiny from civil liberties groups and immigrant advocacy organizations.
Spike in Immigration Enforcement
One notable consequence of the increased federal presence has been a surge in immigration-related arrests. Since August 7, approximately 300 undocumented individuals have been detained—more than double previous monthly averages. Federal officials have emphasized that their focus remains on identifying and removing violent offenders, though community groups have voiced concerns that enforcement efforts are disproportionately targeting vulnerable populations.
As federal and local authorities brace for possible unrest tied to the FLARE Coalition, security operations remain on high alert across Washington. The combination of heightened political tension, intensified law enforcement activity, and unverified threats has underscored the fragile balance between maintaining order and safeguarding civil rights in the capital’s charged atmosphere.
