Violent crime has been on the rise under the Harris-Biden administration, according to recent data from the Department of Justice. The Bureau of Justice statistics revealed self-reported instances of violent crime over the past six months, which includes crimes that may not have been reported to the police.
The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicated a significant increase in reported violent crimes such as rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The rate of violent crime per 1,000 individuals rose from 5.6 in 2020 to 8.7 in 2023. The highest rate was recorded in 2022 at 9.8 instances per 1,000 people over the age of 12.
Specifically, the rate of rape increased from 1.2 per 1,000 in 2020 to 1.7 in 2023, while robbery and aggravated assault also saw notable increases during the same period. Trump highlighted these statistics during a recent press conference, referencing the debate where he was corrected by David Muir regarding the state of crime in the country.
Although the FBI’s quarterly report for 2024 showed a decrease in overall violent crime, it is essential to note that these statistics do not account for unreported crimes. The report included murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault but had limited participation from law enforcement agencies, providing an incomplete picture of the situation.
Notably, other forms of crime, such as stranger violence and violent crime involving weapons, have also seen an uptick in recent years. Motor car theft, in particular, has increased from 3.9 per 1,000 in 2019 to 6.1 per 1,000 in 2023, indicating a concerning trend in criminal activities.
John Lott, a former Justice Department senior adviser, highlighted the reasons for the variance between FBI and DOJ numbers, attributing it to factors like the decrease in law enforcement officers in certain cities. He emphasized the importance of considering total crime, which includes unreported incidents, when evaluating the state of law and order in the country.
In response to the latest data, a spokesperson for Trump called for an apology from David Muir for fact-checking the former president during the debate. The spokesperson emphasized the need for strong law enforcement policies to address the rising violent crime rates and suggested that only Trump could restore law and order in the country.
As the debate continues regarding the true extent of crime under the current administration, it is crucial to consider all aspects of reported and unreported incidents to develop effective strategies for combating criminal activities and ensuring public safety. The data presented by the Department of Justice serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order in the United States.