FACT: Yes, D.C. Crime Is Out of Control

Summary:
The article asserts that Washington, D.C. is experiencing severe crime levels and counters claims that the city is safe. It highlights 2024 crime statistics, trends in juvenile arrests, and specific categories like homicide, robbery, and vehicle theft. It also argues that official statistics may understate the true level of crime due to underreporting and alleged data manipulation.

Key Highlights and Stats:

• Homicides: 27.3 per 100,000 in 2024, presented as the fourth-highest among major U.S. cities and higher than several large cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Compton; compared unfavorably with international capitals.
• Juvenile crime: Juvenile arrests reportedly increased each year since 2020, with many involving prior violent offenses.
• Total reported crimes (2024): 29,348, including 3,469 violent offenses, 1,026 assaults with a dangerous weapon, 2,113 robberies, and 5,139 motor vehicle thefts.
• 2025 year-to-date: Nearly 1,600 violent crimes and nearly 16,000 total crimes; references nearly 100 homicides and cites the fatal shootings of Honesty Cheadle (age 3) and Eric Tarpinian-Jachym (21).
• Vehicle theft: 842.4 per 100,000 residents in 2024—over three times the national average; carjackings up 547% from 2018 to 2023 and triple 2018 levels by 2024.

Additional Claims:

• Underreporting and data integrity: Suggests some residents avoid reporting crimes, more than half of violent crime in the U.S. goes unreported, and alleges local police leadership are making statistics appear more favorable.
• Community sentiment: Cites a WUSA-TV segment reflecting resident frustration and a call for stronger action.