WASHINGTON, D.C. – In 2023, cities large and small across the U.S. experienced a record drop in violent crime, specifically homicides.
Only two cities missed out, continuing to see surges in crime. The nation’s capital was one of them, with murder taking the lives of 274 people. It marks a 36 percent increase year-to-year, and a 20-year high.
“It’s become a real factor in providing for a productive and safe workplace,” said Tom Wickham, Senior Vice President of State and Local Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Wickham says his employees no longer feel safe during their work commute, getting lunch, or engaging in other regular activities.
“And then when we have these violent events occurring very close to our places of business, it only causes those fears to rise,” Wickham tells CBN News.
Local D.C. businessman Mike Gill recently became the victim of a fatal car-jacking in the downtown business district at rush hour. Wickham says Gill’s murder hit especially close to home.
“A local business leader, someone who had been also a government official, like many of us, who appreciates what government service is and really knows the business community well, and taken in such a tragic way.
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