What's Fueling America's Surging Murder Rate?
(CBN) According to reports from major cities across the U.S., murder rates rose from coast to coast in 2021. Experts say the spike in homicides began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disturbing trend continues to grow driven by restrictions and a host of other factors.
"Pent up stress, anxiety, a lot of anger. People started losing their jobs. People are drinking more," Criminologist Dr. Alex Piquero, a member of the Violent Crime Working Group with the Council on Criminal Justice told CBN News.
Piquero's analysis blames the current mix on the ever-present pandemic, social unrest, and division combined with the usual gang and drug problems.
"All of these things put together have occurred in every city in the United States," said Piquero.
In 2021, Chicago, a city long plagued by deadly gun violence, saw its deadliest year in 25 years with 797 murders.
"There's a real spiritual battle going on in the city of Chicago for the lives of people," said Pastor Corey Brooks of Project Hood. "There seems to be a spirit of murder throughout the city."
Los Angeles counted nearly 400 deaths in 2021 and 134 in Oakland. Both California municipalities' murder rates reached 15-year highs.
And Austin, Texas, recorded an unprecedented number of murders last year.
Story by Charlene Aaron CBN.
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