Politics aside: Agreed; you’re correct about DC being wholly unique which is why it’s difficult to compare to other cities (by the numbers) for a lot of regions. There really is not an option other than the National Guard in such a situation hence why there’s a carve out in the 1970s (?) act.

I am avoiding the argument regarding stronger law enforcement because there is a very little vague basis for it in this case. But legally speaking, it is within the letter of the law because there isn’t another option without triggering the Posse Comitius act.