DC Mayor expresses dissatisfaction with crime at House Oversight Hearing.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser Addresses Crime in the Nation’s Capital

A Call for Action

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, recently testified before the House Oversight Committee on May 16, expressing her concern about the state of crime in the nation’s capital. Bowser stated that the current status quo in crime in the District of Columbia is unacceptable and that no one can be satisfied with increasing crime trends in any category.

Alarming Statistics

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime in Washington has increased by 13 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Homicides have increased by 11 percent, sex abuses by 45 percent, assaults with a dangerous weapon by 2 percent, and robberies by 19 percent. Property crimes have also increased by 30 percent, with motor vehicle thefts skyrocketing by 114 percent.

A Plan of Action

Mayor Bowser announced a legislative package on May 15 that will enhance penalties for violent crime and modify recently enacted early release legislation to ensure the voices of victims and the judgment of the courts are not thrown by the wayside. She emphasized that these trends are unacceptable, and they do not accept this as their new normal.

Prosecution Controversy

Matthew Graves, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, testified alongside Bowser in front of the House Oversight Committee. Graves’ office has come under fire recently for refusing to prosecute 67 percent of those arrested by MPD, or 52 percent of felony apprehensions, and 72 percent of misdemeanor apprehensions. Graves stated that his office has been prosecuting most cases involving violent felonies.

Collaborative Efforts

D.C. City Administrator Kevin Donahue and outgoing MPD Police Chief Robert Contee joined Bowser to help her answer questions. It is clear that the city is taking a collaborative approach to address the issue of crime in the nation’s capital.

A Call to Action

It is time for action to be taken to address the alarming increase in crime in Washington. Mayor Bowser’s legislative package is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the city’s residents. It is time for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a solution.