Part 3/8:
While political assertions often paint a picture of improving safety, data tells a more nuanced story. Currently, 65% of Chicago residents are deeply concerned about their safety, with weekends like Labor Day seeing over 50 shootings and eight fatalities. Although Mayor Johnson claims that crime has decreased to "historic lows," such statements risk being misleading when viewed in context. Historically, Chicago's murder rate has been nearly triple the national average for over ten years, and in 2024, it was three times higher than Los Angeles and nearly five times higher than New York City on a per capita basis. Certain neighborhoods, especially on the South Side, experience murder rates comparable to some of the most violent countries in the world.