Washington, D.C- Florida Representative Laurel Lee (R) has criticized President Joe Biden and Democrats for causing a crime spike in Washington D.C.
Representative Lee’s statements came during a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance hearing on “Victims of Violent Crime in the District of Columbia.”
Lee claimed President Biden administration’s federal prosecutors are not doing enough, stating the “number of prosecutors won’t stop crime when they don’t bring cases and do not enforce the law.”
In the first 9 months of 2023, D.C. surpassed 200 homicides, the quickest it has hit this mark since the 1990s.
Democrat's soft-on-crime policies have been plaguing our nation's capital for far too long. Enough is enough. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eHQdoKyXbu
— Congresswoman Laurel Lee (@RepLaurelLee) October 17, 2023
“We have a responsibility to keep the residents of Washington D.C. and all those who come to our nation’s Capitol safe, and too often they are victims of violent crime, car theft, and being shot in the street,” continued Lee.
According to D.C. Metropolitan Police figures, 4,032 thousand violent crimes have been committed so far in 2023, up 39% from 2022.
“We must face the reality of the crime epidemic in Washington D.C. and do more,” stated Lee.
Lee claimed that tougher sentences could be used to deter crime.
“As a former federal prosecutor and judge, I will tell you this: There is one thing that keeps a violent predator from recidivating and it is called prison,” assured Lee.
Expanding upon the flexible bond arrangements permitted for some criminals, Lee explained how sex offenders, murderers, and those who commit serious crimes should be jailed and “remain in custody for the safety of the citizens of this community.”
“We need to support the men and women of law enforcement, we need prosecutors who will enforce the law, and we need judges who will follow the laws and enforce the rules,” concluded Lee.
According to Lee’s office, D.C. has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with the violent crime rate at 664.2 per 100,000 people.
