Washington D.C. Violent Crime Down 26% Year-to-Date 2025, Official Data Shows

A recent tweet by Bill Mitchell has ignited debate over Washington D.C.'s crime statistics, alleging that claims of falling crime were "all lies" prior to a federal crackdown. This assertion contrasts sharply with official data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) and analyses from independent organizations, which indicate significant reductions in various crime categories. The discussion unfolds amidst ongoing political rhetoric concerning public safety in the nation's capital.

According to the MPDC's year-to-date comparison as of August 12, 2025, total violent crime in Washington D.C. has decreased by 26% compared to the same period in 2024. Robbery incidents saw a 28% reduction, while assaults with a dangerous weapon dropped by 20%. Overall, total crime in the District has fallen by 7% in 2025, as reported by the MPDC.

While homicides in D.C. reached a 20-year high in 2023 with 274 reported cases, official figures show a subsequent 32% decline in 2024, with a further 11% drop year-to-date in 2025. Carjackings, which saw a marked increase from 2020 and peaked in June 2023, have also experienced a significant reduction since then, according to data analyzed by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ). These trends are consistent with broader patterns observed in other major U.S. cities.

Despite the reported declines, Bill Mitchell stated on social media, "> You know those stats about falling crime in DC the Democrats were touting before Trump's crackdown? All lies." This sentiment echoes former President Trump's claims of crime being "out of control" in the city. Conversely, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has maintained that the city has experienced "a huge decrease in crime," reaching a 30-year low in violent crime, as reported by the BBC.

Experts acknowledge the complexity of crime data, noting that while D.C.'s violent crime rate remains higher than the average for many U.S. cities, the downward trend since mid-2023 is "unmistakable and large," according to Adam Gelb of the CCJ. The White House has, however, questioned the veracity of the city's police data, alleging manipulation, a claim currently under investigation by the Justice Department. Trump's "crackdown" involved deploying National Guard troops and federal agents, which coincided with a moderate reduction in crime and a notable increase in immigration arrests, CNN reported.