Trends and Statistics
The report indicates a 3% overall decline in violent crime in the from 2022 to 2023, with murders and non-negligent manslaughter falling nearly 12%. Rapes decreased by over 9%, and aggravated assault dropped nearly 3%.
Despite a surge during the pandemic, violent crime rates have returned to near pre-pandemic levels, with the 2023 rate at about 364 violent crimes per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the 2019 rate.
Political and Social Context
The decline in violent crime contrasts with claims by former President , who has stated that crime is "through the roof" under 's administration, highlighting the issue's prominence in the 2024 presidential race.
The FBI's findings align with the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice's analysis, which reported most violent crimes at or below 2019 levels across 39 U.S. cities. However, a recent survey cited by Trump suggests rising crime rates.