Summary
US President Trump called Chicago a "killing field" and said he would send the National Guard to address crime. However, crime data shows a decrease in violent crimes and homicides in Chicago compared to previous years. Chicago's crime levels are lower than some other major US cities like Memphis and Detroit.
Key Facts
- President Trump labeled Chicago with terms suggesting high crime rates and proposed sending the National Guard.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposed federal intervention, stating that local efforts to reduce violent crime are effective.
- The FBI reported about 540 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Chicago in 2024.
- Chicago's violent crime rate dropped by 11% from 2023 and is about half of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Chicago ranked 29th out of 37 major US cities in terms of violent crime in 2024.
- In 2024, Chicago did not have the highest homicide rate among large US cities; Memphis had the highest rate.
- Chicago's homicide count and rates have fallen notably since the 1990s.
- The White House cited a report claiming Chicago had the highest murder rate for seven years, aligning with their stance on the city's crime levels.
