Recent remarks by former President Donald Trump have painted a daunting picture of safety in Washington, describing the city as “dangerous” and “out of control.” However, a closer examination of recent crime statistics reveals a more complex reality. While certain neighborhoods have experienced upticks in specific crimes, overall violent crime rates in Washington have remained relatively stable or even declined in some categories compared to previous years. For example, firearm-related offenses, though highlighted in rhetoric, represent only a fraction of total reported incidents, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between perception and data-driven insights.

Data from the Metropolitan Police Department for the past year indicates the following trends:

  • Homicides: Slight increase by 3%, concentrated in specific wards.
  • Property Crimes: Decrease by…