Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently discussed the reasons behind a committee hearing focused on crime policies in American cities. He cited rising violent crime rates in Washington, D.C., referencing FBI data that showed the 2024 homicide rate was nearly double that of 2012, with about 25 murders per 100,000 residents.

Grassley noted that public safety is essential for both residents and visitors to the nation’s capital. He stated: “I’ve worked on Capitol Hill since 1975 when I was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives and enjoy welcoming Iowans to the nation’s capital. Millions of Americans visit Washington, D.C. every year, including veterans who take pride in seeing war memorials honoring their military service; high school students who join class trips to learn more about the federal government and families who enjoy making memories soaking in the monuments, museums and nation’s history. Two decades ago, our nation’s capital was widely known as the murder capital of the country. People who live, work and visit America’s capital city ought to feel safe walking the streets, taking public transportation and sightseeing. In recent years, violent crime in Washington, D.C. was once again on the rise, putting residents, workers and visitors in harm’s way.”

He also mentioned actions taken by federal authorities: “In August, the Trump administration declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., deploying the National Guard to patrol city streets to help reduce violent crime, including homicide, robbery, car jackings and more.” Grassley argued that political efforts such as calls to “defund the police” have contributed to an unsafe environment.

During testimony at the committee hearing, Forlesia Cook described her personal experience with violent crime after her grandson was killed in April 2017. She said her family “begged for justice” and added that “murder in D.C. is treated as a joke” for victims’ families.

Grassley pointed out statistics following recent federal intervention: “In one month since this administration took action to reduce crime in Washington, D.C., the facts speak volumes: a 53% reduction in murders; a 57% reduction in robberies; and a 75% reduction in carjackings.” He emphasized that these numbers reflect improvements but also underlined ongoing concerns about manipulated crime data.

A witness from law enforcement raised issues regarding how local police data was reportedly adjusted to make it appear as though violent crime had decreased. Grassley commented: “Such misconduct pours salt in the wounds of victims begging for justice and underscores the need for oversight to improve public safety.”

Other witnesses addressed policy issues like cashless bail and lenient juvenile prosecution practices that they said contribute to repeat offenses. One official from the U.S. Marshals Service highlighted several recent incidents involving violence against embassy staffers and congressional personnel near major government sites.

Grassley stated his legislative priorities include efforts to combat organized retail theft and clarify penalties for crimes such as carjacking and kidnapping.

He criticized Sen. Cory Booker for blocking five bipartisan law enforcement bills shortly after the hearing concluded: “This undermines public safety and stops resources for local law enforcement.” A D.C. police officer testified before Congress urging lawmakers to collaborate with police rather than oppose them.