Murder rates have risen in most large American cities this year, according to a Wall Street Journal survey of America’s largest police forces.
Of the 20 police departments the Wall Street Journal surveyed, 16 of reported a rise in homicides from the previous year. Other types of crime, including rape and robberies have also risen in many cities. Chicago saw the most dramatic jump in homicide rates this year. There were 720 murders, marking a 56% increase from 2015. Other cities that saw significant increases include San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Memphis.
Darryl Stephens, the executive director of the Major Cities Chief Association, has said that he believes the increase in crime is due to local dynamics, including drug-related violence and the availability of firearms.
Yet, in some cities, Black Lives Matter protests have triggered unprecedented spikes in violent crime.
The organization, created after the 2012 murder of 17-year old Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, is known to organize protests immediately after police kill black people, regardless of whether the killing was justified or not.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, violent crime among civilians have skyrocketed in the wake of deadly confrontations between young black men and police officers. This trend has been observed by a number of law-enforcement experts since 2014, when Black Lives Matter protests erupted in Ferguson, Missouri.
And the crime spike in Chicago this year? It’s partially attributable to the November 2015 wave of Black Lives Matter inspired protests. After a video was released of a white officer shooting a black 17-year old to death, not only did protests spike, but so did violent crime and murders.
The link between Black Lives Matter protests and violent crime isn’t fully understood, but some law enforcement professionals believe the protests may “embolden criminals” and reduce civilian trust in law-enforcement.
Many commentators and journalists, have noted the problems with the Black Lives Matter movement as well.
As senior contributor to The Federalist Nicole Russell has quipped: “Snarling at police has got to be effective, right?”
Nicole Russell argued: “[It] seems clear BLM has legitimate grievances. But if they want to be heard and remembered as a movement that changed racial unrest in America… they must do so without provoking police or inciting violence. Until they can figure out how to do this, their actions will continue to besmirch their reputation and cause.”
To note, it’s unclear what percentage of the increase in homicide rates can be attributable to the BLM protests alone. There has been no comprehensive study on this topic yet, and it’s unlikely that one would be seen in the near future.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that these protests are one of the many other preventable factors that trigger an increase in homicides, which disproportionately affect young black men.
The national Black Lives Matter chapter has not responded to request for comment.
