Washington, D.C., recorded 200 homicides in 2021 as of Monday, making it the highest homicide rate since 2003, according to the D.C. Police Union.
The 200th homicide was reportedly a shooting that occurred at a gas station. The man who was shot was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to NBC Washington.
The union said there are multiple reasons for the increase in violent crimes and homicides, including the city council’s implementation of “reform” measures and its decision to reduce the size and funding of the police force.
“Police officers are hamstrung, if not altogether unable to do the impactful and necessary tasks needed to confiscate illegal weapons, apprehend violent criminals and protect communities,” the union said in a press release.
Over 400 officers have left the Metropolitan Police Department since June 2020 in response to the city council’s cut in funding. According to the press release, only 38% of those who left the department have retired, meaning over 225 officers have turned in their badges with the possibility of continuing work somewhere else.
“Most of the members who have left cited the Council’s treatment of law enforcement and political rhetoric,” the release said. “It not only makes policing more difficult and therefore less effective, but it also endangers police officers and their families.”
Certain wards have felt the lack of police force harder than others. Ward 4 saw an 89% increase in homicides this year, Ward 2 saw a 188% increase in armed robberies, and Ward 6 saw a 72% increase in armed robberies.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told residents last week their safety is her No. 1 priority, assuring the city and police department would cooperate to eliminate guns from the district’s streets. According to police data, the majority of homicide victims died from shootings.
“We are throwing every resource at the rise in violent crime in D.C.,” Bowser said, according to NBC. “We will keep pushing on all fronts until we see positive results.”
There were 198 homicides in Washington, D.C., in 2020 and 166 in 2019, according to MPD.
