FACT CHECK #A-ZJBYVF

WHAT WE FOUND

The claim that crime in the United States has doubled since 2020 is directly contradicted by government data and independent research. While the U.S. experienced a record 31% increase in homicides in 2020 58, overall crime rates have since declined significantly 29. According to FBI-compiled statistics, the rates for violent crime, murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault all decreased from 2020 to 2023 2. By the end of 2025, reports indicated an overall reduction in crime, marking a reversal of the pandemic-era spike 89. Although some political figures have claimed violent crime rose by 40% 6, this figure is both disputed by official data and falls far short of a 100% increase or doubling 26. Research indicates that public perception often incorrectly assumes crime is rising even during periods of sustained decline 10.

SOURCES

1. 1 · crim.sas.upenn.eduFACT-CHECKER
   Is Violent Crime Increasing? | Department of Criminology

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2. 2 · factcheck.orgFACT-CHECKER
   Crime Stats Still Show a Decline Since 2020 - FactCheck.org

   TIER A

3. 3 · fbi.govACADEMIC
   FBI Releases 2024 Reported Crimes in the Nation Statistics | Federal Bureau of Investigation

   TIER A

4. 4 · brennancenter.orgACADEMIC
   Myths and Realities: Understanding Recent Trends in Violent Crime | Brennan Center for Justice

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5. 5 · pewresearch.orgACADEMIC
   Crime in the U.S.: Key questions answered | Pew Research Center

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6. 6 · bbc.comNEWS
   What latest FBI data shows about violent crime

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7. 7 · en.wikipedia.orgWEB
   Crime in the United States - Wikipedia

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8. 8 · counciloncj.orgWEB
   Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Year-End 2025 Update - Council on Criminal Justice

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9. 9 · govfacts.orgWEB
   US Crime Statistics: What 10 Years of Data Shows | GovFacts

   TIER B

10. 10 · ourworldindata.orgWEB
    How have crime rates in the United States changed over the last 50 years? | Our World in Data

    TIER B

THE READING