Well, well, well, folks. Are you ready for some good ole bickering and misimpressions? Of course, you are! Because what else is there to do in life? Republicans and Democrats took turns taking the stage for four hours like it was some kind of bizarre sporting event to argue about New York City’s crime stats. The Republicans hit the ol’ “New York is a dangerous hellscape” routine, which we’ve all heard before. To prove it, they showed viral videos from local news stations around the country because, you know, those are the most trustworthy sources. The Democrats, on the other hand, argued that other places are much worse, so why are we even having this conversation?
Let’s talk about the data, shall we? The New York Police Department kindly offers a weekly account of crimes citywide and by precinct. It’s like a gift from the heavens. But where’s the fun in that? We need arguments, dammit! Just know that citywide, murder is down 6.6 percent this year, and shootings are down 23 percent compared to last year. So maybe, just maybe, things are getting better?
But wait, there’s more! Does it feel like the city is more dangerous than ever? According to Robert F. Holden, a Democrat and City Council member from Queens (not Manhattan, folks), the answer is yes, yes, it does. His wife, who happens to be Asian American, is afraid to take the subway due to hate crimes. And she’s not alone in her fears. Hate crimes have fallen citywide by 40 percent, but in Queens, they’re on the rise. Yikes.
Just when you thought the party was over, in walks Republican Congresswoman Nikole Malliotakis from Staten Island, where major crimes have increased this year. She waltzes in about two and a half hours into the proceedings just to let everyone know she’s there. In the overflow room, she ranted and raved about how reform-minded prosecutors are wreaking havoc on the world. She claimed that one in every 67 New Yorkers is a crime victim. Geez, that sounds like a lot.

If you’re wondering whether this whole crazy hearing would have even taken place if there hadn’t been a Trump indictment, wonder no more. According to Ms. Malliotakis, it totally would have. She even added, “This is an issue I have been pushing.” Well, good for you, Nikole. Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine?

Serious News: nytimes