Violent crimes in US decline but still above pre-pandemic levels

(NewsNation) — Homicide and most other violent crimes declined in U.S. cities in the first half of 2023, but they remain above levels seen before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study of crime trends by the Council on Criminal Justice.

In New York City, an activist was brutally stabbed seemingly without reason. The suspect kicked over mopeds before attacking Ryan Carson, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A man smashed a car’s back windshield with kids inside, then brandished a gun and headbutted the victim in downtown Philadelphia. New surveillance footage shows a mob robbing an electronics store, stealing big-screen TVs. Such robberies are increasing in major cities nationwide.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed a task force to combat organized retail crime due to the escalating problem.

Pedestrians, drivers, and retailers all fall victim, including U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas, who was carjacked at gunpoint outside his D.C. home. He was unharmed and the car was recovered.

This disturbing trend is plaguing the nation’s capital, with carjacking doubling this year compared to the same period last year. Gun crimes like these are claiming lives in major cities across the nation.

Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger was shot multiple times by an intruder in his home. He died while seeking help on the street.

These incidents underscore a surge in crime since the pandemic, with homicides up 24% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, and car thefts increasing by 104% in that timeframe, according to the Council on Criminal Justice’s study.

Analysts who examined homicides in 30 cities that make homicide data readily available found that the number of murders in the first half of 2023 fell by 9.4% compared to the first half of 2022 — a decrease of 202 homicides in those cities. Twenty of the study cities recorded a decrease in homicides during the first six months of the year.

There is a silver lining, the study revealed that homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, and larcenies all declined in the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2022.