DOJ releases final violent crime numbers for Biden administration

The Department of Justice (DOJ) released the final nationwide crime statistics under the Biden administration this week, showing a significant decrease in violent crime rates as President Biden prepares to leave office. This positive trend follows an uptick in violent crime during the pandemic in 2021, with a notable decrease in 2023 and further reductions in 2024.

According to the DOJ, there was a 17.5% decrease in murder rates in 2024, along with a 7.1% decrease in rape, a 3.6% decrease in aggravated assault, and a 7.8% decline in robbery over the first three quarters of the year. The overall violent crime rate decreased by 1.7% between 2021 and 2022, by 3% between 2022 and 2023, and by 10.3% from the second quarter of 2023 to 2024. The murder rate also saw a significant decrease, with a 22.7% drop in 2024 compared to previous years.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attributed these positive results to the implementation of the Violent Crime Reduction Strategy in 2021. This strategy focused on addressing the most significant drivers of violent crime and deploying federal resources effectively to support state and local law enforcement efforts. The DOJ prioritized building trust in communities and investing in community-based prevention and intervention programs.

Of the 85 major cities included in the statistics, violent crime went down in 62 and up in 23, while murder rates decreased in 64 cities and increased in 19. The DOJ emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in combating violent crime.

Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, implemented by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, played a crucial role in the decline of violent crime rates. The DOJ’s focus on targeting gun violence and repeat offenders, as well as investing in technology and other cutting-edge tools, contributed to the positive outcomes.

As President Biden’s last week in office approaches, the DOJ’s report highlights the significant progress made in reducing violent crime during his administration. President-elect Trump is set to assume office on Monday, continuing the efforts to ensure the safety and security of communities across the country.