Violent crime rates surged to record levels in 2020—with more murders recorded than any year since 1998— and the largest one-year spikeon record. However, our previous research shows an even more alarming trend. The violent crime rate in 2021 is trending higher than 2020—when 90% of the America’s largest cities suffered an alarming rise in murders. For example, Milwaukee had a 96% increase in murders. Portland, OR had a 93% increase. And Minneapolis suffered an 71% increase in murders from 2019 to 2020.
The 2020 spike indicated 20,000 homicides, but even more shocking: some of the largest cites such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have not yet submitted all of their data to the FBI.
Considering the bigger picture, across the the 50 largest cities in America, over 2,000 more homicides occurred in 2020 than in 2019. And it is difficult to ignore the socio-political aspects that are likely involved.
For example, a cursory analysis of the politics indicates that nearly 80% of the cities were led by democratic mayors or political leaders. Meanwhile cities with republican leaders had comparatively smaller increases in homicides. For example, Oklahoma City had 12% fewer homicides in 2020 than in 2019.
While this cursory analysis prompts plenty of speculation about criminal behavior and related socio-political issues, it seems “defund” politics, anti-cop sentiments, and related political attitudes have likely compromised public safety in 90% of America’s most populated cities.
And it is difficult to ignore how amid all the outcry for accountability, few political leaders have yet to specifically address surging violent crimes in their cities. Meanwhile, as if nothing could possible be wrong, some political leaders have yet to even acknowledge the increase in murders and violent crime—let alone take accountability.
As we progress through 2021, as Americans in largely populated cities are suffering from undeniable violence, there will come a time when those who are politically responsible must be held accountable.
