Alencia Johnson: People don’t feel safer in DC

Alencia Johnson’s claims about the situation in Washington D.C. do not align with the most recent available data.

Decrease in violent crime: Data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) show a 27% decrease in violent crimes so far in 2025.

Increase in pedestrian traffic on the street: There are residents and workers who claim that the visible presence of armed agents deters crime and allows them to walk with more confidence in areas that were once considered dangerous.

Shop owners in areas near the National Mall and downtown D.C. have told the media that they see fewer petty thefts and pickpocketing, and that customers feel safer leaving restaurants at night.

Parents in neighborhoods such as Anacostia and Petworth have said that, although they dislike the feeling of “militarization,” they value that their children can return from school with fewer risks of being assaulted.

Recovery in the restaurant industry: OpenTable data show a partial recovery in reservations, with a 29% increase during D.C.’s Restaurant Week in August 2025.

Racial disparities in law enforcement: At the national level, FBI 2019 data show that Black individuals accounted for approximately 26% of arrests, while White individuals accounted for around 69%. It is important to note that these data are not specific to D.C., but they provide context for understanding racial trends in arrests.

Conclusion: The available data suggest that the situation in D.C. has improved in terms of safety and mobility, and that concerns about over-policing and racial disparities are more reflective of a leftist political narrative than of reality.