Staff Reports
During a hearing conducted by the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is vying for the position of House Speaker, addressed the surge in violent crime in Washington, D.C. Jordan attributed this rise in crime to the Defund the Police movement and lenient district attorneys, asserting that defunding the police and implementing lenient prosecutorial policies inevitably lead to increased crime rates. Jordan further underlined that other liberal jurisdictions, such as New York and Chicago, are grappling with similar challenges. He stressed the vital importance of standing by law enforcement and extended gratitude for their demanding and often perilous work.
JUST IN: Senator Rand Paul has endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House.
“There are big differences in the race for Speaker regarding fiscal responsibility and aid to Ukraine. We need to stop funding other country’s wars and fix our fiscal mess.”
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— Proud Elephant ??? (@ProudElephantUS) October 6, 2023
Throughout the hearing, various witnesses recounted their encounters with violent crime in D.C. One such witness, Gaynor Jablonski, a business owner, shared a harrowing incident in which he was assaulted within his own restaurant, with his 4-year-old son present, by an armed DoorDash delivery driver. Despite the gravity of the situation, the district attorney's office opted to charge the perpetrator solely with attempted assault and illegal possession of a firearm. Jablonski questioned why they did not consider the endangerment of a minor and expressed his frustration with the absence of accountability and repercussions for criminals, highlighting the adverse impact of this incident on his business's reputation.
Another witness, Mitchell Sobolevsky, recounted a chilling ordeal in which he was held at gunpoint while walking to purchase groceries near the White House. He vividly conveyed the fear he experienced and expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the police in ensuring his safety. However, Sobolevsky was disheartened when the perpetrator received a lenient sentence and subsequently committed additional crimes. He implored the subcommittee to recognize the critical role of law enforcement, prosecution, and incarceration in the prevention of violent crimes. Sobolevsky urged them to treat these matters with the utmost seriousness, emphasizing that they should not be taken lightly.
These testimonies corroborate Jordan's assertion that the surge in violent crime is a direct consequence of policies that undermine law enforcement and empower criminals. By defunding the police and implementing lenient prosecutorial practices, offenders are emboldened, free to continue their criminal activities without facing significant consequences. The time has come to prioritize public safety and provide unwavering support for the courageous men and women who safeguard our communities.
