Washington D.C. witnessed 13 homicides within the first five days of August as the city’s authorities continue struggling in their effort to prevent the uptick in violent crime occurring in the United States capital.
The recent spate of killings took place in various locations in the city, with one occurring at 1900 13th St NW – walking distance from the White House.
The total number of homicides in the Capitol this year alone is at least 161, which represents an increase of 28 percent compared to last year, according to the District Crime Data. The city also passed 100 annual homicides at the “fastest rate in 20 years” earlier this summer.
Local Democrat city councilor Trayon White Sr has even suggested calling the National Guard to the city to assist as the D.C. police force – with the number of officers at the lowest level in half a century – is unable to control the surge in criminality. “Crime is out of control and getting worse by the day… kids and innocent people are getting killed. It’s becoming status quo with no end in sight,” argues White.
The Washington D.C. council took to passing an emergency safety bill last month after July, similarly to August, began with ten killings in the first five days. The legislation made it easier for authorities to detain those accused of violent crimes and felonized firing a gun in public. However, its impact has so far been limited.
Criminality in general has been skyrocketing in the U.S. Capitol, with offenses, including sexual abuse, assault with a weapon, and robbery, having increased by 37 percent in 2023 compared to last year.