FBI Reports Highest Single Year Reduction in Homicides in 20 Years
Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its annual “Summary of Crime in the Nation” report, revealing a decline in both violent crime and property crime rates in the U.S. during 2023. Notably, murder rates declined by 11.6%, marking the largest decrease in 20 years. FBI statistics also show that preliminary numbers for 2024 suggest that crime rates are continuing to fall. In response to the FBI report, U.S. Conference of Mayors President Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther released the following statement.
“This FBI report confirms what we are seeing in many cities across the country. Crime rates are down and it’s important that we all recognize this progress. While we still have more to do, the work that mayors have been doing to make their cities safer is paying off. Strengthening public safety has always been a top priority for mayors. The FBI’s data show that our cities’ prevention, intervention and enforcement efforts are proving effective.
“There is no one cause of violence and that’s why mayors, working through their police departments and with community leaders, have deployed comprehensive initiatives to combat it. The support and investment from the Biden-Harris Administration, including the establishment of the first ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, contributed greatly to this progress. I commend our national leaders as well as my fellow mayors, our police departments and our community leaders on what we have achieved by working together.”