On Monday evening alone, two stabbings occurred on Metro transit – one on a bus and another in an elevator at a train station. Three victims were hospitalized. The following day, a rider was assaulted and robbed on a separate bus. Mere hours after transit officials held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss boosting police patrols, a shooting death happened on a Metro bus.

This wave of violence prompted Mayor Karen Bass to walk back her statement last month claiming the Metro system was safe. The mayor is now acknowledging a “spike” in crime, though many believe she is still downplaying the severity of the situation. Bass and other city officials have put considerable focus on the public “perception” of crime rather than fully confronting the reality of rising danger.

While Los Angeles saw a reduction in homicides from 2021 to 2022, the 2022 rate was still higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. What’s more, violent crime has been trending upwards again recently. This March saw more violence than March 2023. And the first three months of 2024 had more homicides than the first three of last year.

Advocates argue Los Angeles has long turned a blind eye to its crime problem. They say District Attorney George Gascon’s progressive policies that lean toward restorative justice have enabled criminals. Gascon has faced heavy criticism and recall efforts over his refusal to prosecute many misdemeanor crimes and seek stricter punishments. Critics cite his leadership as a key reason the city’s criminal justice system is failing.

As violent attacks now grow more brazen and occur on traditionally perceived “safe” public transit, the calls for action are intensifying. Many no longer see the Metro as a viable transit option. Residents increasingly feel unsafe in their communities. But Mayor Bass and D.A. Gascon have yet to put forth a concrete plan to address the root issues.

Without significant changes to Los Angeles’ criminal justice approach and community safety strategies, experts warn the current crime wave shows no signs of abating. It remains to be seen whether city leaders will implement meaningful measures to reverse the tide — or simply offer more talk with little substantive action. Los Angeles hangs in the balance between a once-vibrant city plagued by rising violence, and a restored, revitalized version of itself where all residents feel secure to live, work and ride public transit free of fear. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Crime Spikes Again-What’s Behind the Disturbing Trend?” article helpful.

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