Crime rates lower, despite Trump's warnings

Source: The Hill




BY REID WILSON - 12/20/17 11:31 AM EST

The number of violent crimes committed in the nation’s largest cities fell again in 2017, according to a preliminary analysis, continuing a 30-year downward trend even as President Trump warns of rising murder rates.

The analysis, conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice, estimated the overall crime rate in the 30 largest cities in the country dropped by 2.7 percent between 2016 and 2017. Violent crimes fell by a little more than 1 percent, but murder rates are down 5.6 percent.

Trump warned of rising crime rates as a candidate, and in his inaugural address he promised an end to what he called “this American carnage.” On Friday, addressing graduates of the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Va., Trump cited a rise in murder rates in 2015 and 2016.

“In the last two years, America has seen a tragic rise in violent crime,” Trump told FBI cadets. “No family should have to worry about bullets flying through windows, or gangs recruiting on street corners. Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, surrounded by a loving family, and preparing to embark on a bright, beautiful future.”

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/365782-crime-rates-lower-despite-trumps-warnings