The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released its annual crime report, revealing a significant drop in crime rates across the United States for 2023. The data, published in the “Summary of Crime in the Nation 2023” report on Monday, indicates a continued downward trend following a rise in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall violent crime saw a decrease of approximately 3% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, murders and nonnegligent manslaughter dropped by an estimated 11.6%, while reported cases of rape fell by about 9.4%.
Property crimes also declined, with an overall decrease of 2.4%. Specifically, burglary and larceny-theft experienced reductions of 7.6% and 4.4%, respectively. However, motor vehicle theft rose sharply, with a 12.6% increase from 2022.
President Joe Biden commented on the report, attributing the decline to his administration’s efforts to combat gun violence and improve public safety. “When I took office, our nation had just seen the highest increase in murders ever recorded under the previous administration,” he stated. He highlighted measures taken, including controlling the illegal flow of firearms, boosting public safety funding, and implementing new gun legislation.
“The only way to continue this progress is by investing in what works,” Biden added, urging Congress to support funding for 100,000 additional police officers, strengthen the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and endorse community violence intervention programs. He also advocated for commonsense gun safety reforms, including a ban on assault weapons.
The FBI’s annual crime report is compiled from data submitted by law enforcement agencies nationwide, covering over 315 million individuals. The 2023 report includes information from all cities with populations exceeding 1 million.
This decline in crime rates marks a hopeful trend for communities across the country as they continue to navigate public safety challenges.
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