DC Mayor Faces Criticism Over Crime Surge Response

Muriel Bowser urges optimism despite a significant increase in violent crime, including homicides and carjackings, in Washington, D.C.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser downplays concerns about the district's high crime rates, urging residents and visitors not to be 'so down on D.C.'
In 2023, Washington, D.C. saw a 35% increase in homicides, a 67% increase in robberies, and an 82% increase in carjackings.
Despite the crime surge, Bowser highlights a slight decline in crime rates in the early months of 2024, attributing it to new anti-crime measures.
Local businesses express frustration over the impact of crime, with some shutting down or relocating due to safety concerns.
Legislators in Washington, D.C. pass a sweeping anti-crime bill in March 2024, aiming to address the alarming increase in violent crime.