Chicago mayoral candidates talking tough on crime despite steep drop in homicides

Mayoral candidates decry Chicago violence ‘crisis,’ even as summer murders hit 61-year low

<p>Despite historically low levels of violent crime in Chicago this year, candidates trying to replace Mayor Brandon Johnson are sweeping aside the numbers in favor of anecdotes and are depicting the city as reeling in a “crisis” of gun violence and lawlessness.</p><p>Chicago had 122 murders in June, July and August, according to city and police data posted through Tuesday evening. </p><p>That’s the lowest summer total since 1965. Overall violen…

Mayoral candidates decry Chicago violence ‘crisis,’ even as summer murders hit 61-year low – Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago had 122 murders in June, July and August, according to city and police data posted through Tuesday evening; That’s the lowest summer total since 1965. FBI-classified “index” crimes at CTA locations are down 29 percent this year through Aug. 23, according to police figures. Seven categories, ranging from thefts to shootings, are all down. Two other categories increased: There were 24 sexual assaults and four arson incidents.

Chicago mayoral candidates talking tough on crime despite steep drop in homicides

Despite the clear-cut improvements during Johnson’s time in office, nearly every declared mayoral candidate said in interviews with the Tribune that he has done too little to address violence.