Violent crime continued to rise across the U.S. last, according to an annual estimate the FBI released Wednesday.
Murders increased 4.3% last year, rising from 22,000 to 22,900, while rape instances rose as well. The FBI acknowledges that violent crime is at the very least matching the high levels seen in 2020, which surged nearly 30% over 2019.
Nevertheless, violent crime slipped slightly across the nation as a whole, falling 1% from 1,326,600 in 2020 to 1,313,200 in 2021. 2021 rose 5.6% over 2019, however.
The FBI release comes months after bureau deputy director Paul Abbate admitted that homicides and assaults were occurring at an “appalling rate” in April.
“We’re seeing a disturbing violent crime surge across the country. I know you’re seeing it too,” Abbate said at the time. “There’s gun violence, homicides and aggravated assaults, and are all occurring at an appalling rate, not to mention hate crimes and the persistent threat posed by violent extremists.”
VIGIL HELD FOR FLORIDA MAN MURDERED IN FRONT OF HIS TODDLER DAUGHTER
General view of the J. Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Building in Washington, U.S., March 10, 2019. REUTERS/Mary F. Calvert
(Reuters/Mary F. Calvert)
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.