Violent crime plummets according to White House report
By Easton Martin | July 31, 2026
Violent crime across the United States has reached historic lows during the first half of 2026, according to a mid-year report released by the White House.
Data from the administration indicates homicides dropped 18 percent compared to the same period last year, putting the national murder rate on pace for its lowest level in more than a century. The report attributes the decline to increased federal support for local law enforcement and targeted interventions in major metropolitan areas.
Other categories of serious crime also experienced sharp reductions nationwide. Carjackings fell 47 percent in the first six months of the year, while motor vehicle thefts dropped 20 percent. Robberies declined by 17 percent, and residential burglaries decreased by 13 percent over the same timeframe.
Several major cities reported notable drops in violent offense numbers. Homicides in Memphis declined by more than 43 percent so far this year, while Washington, D.C., saw a decrease of more than 42 percent. New Orleans recorded a drop of more than 32 percent in homicides, and Los Angeles saw an 18 percent reduction.
The White House praised law enforcement officials and federal task forces for their roles in reversing crime trends that affected urban centers over the past decade. Independent crime policy organizations and regional media outlets across multiple states have also reported declining homicide tallies in major hubs such as Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Charlotte.
