Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently addressed concerns about rising violent crime in American cities, particularly Washington, D.C. In a Q&A session, Grassley explained his decision to convene a committee hearing on what he described as "soft-on-crime" policies.

Grassley highlighted that Washington, D.C., once known as the murder capital two decades ago, has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years. He referenced FBI data showing that the homicide rate in 2024 was nearly double that of 2012, with approximately 25 murders per 100,000 residents.

He noted actions taken by the Trump administration in August to address these issues: "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 criticized political decisions to "defund the police," arguing such rhetoric undermines public safety and law enforcement morale.

During the hearing, witness Forlesia Cook recounted her family's experience with violent crime: “begged for justice” and said “murder in D.C. is treated as a joke” for the victims of violent crime. Grassley pointed out that since federal intervention began there had been significant decreases in certain crimes over one month: murders dropped by 53%, robberies by 57%, and carjackings by 75%.

Grassley also questioned the chairman of the D.C. Police Union about alleged manipulation of crime statistics. He stated this practice misled the public regarding actual safety conditions and emphasized it harms victims seeking justice.

Further testimony included accounts from a U.S. Marshals Service representative who linked soft-on-crime policies—such as cashless bail and lenient juvenile prosecution—to repeat offenses and serious incidents involving embassy staffers and congressional personnel near key government locations.

Grassley stated: “The Trump administration is taking historic steps to keep America safe in cities across the country. Reducing violent crime is an issue the American people expect and deserve.” He added he is leading legislation aimed at combating organized retail crime and strengthening penalties for offenses like carjacking and kidnapping.

He criticized Sen. Cory Booker’s move to block five bipartisan law enforcement bills shortly after the hearing: "This undermines public safety and stops resources for local law enforcement." A D.C. police officer testified before Congress urging lawmakers to “work with law enforcement instead of against us.”