Dem witness says Baltimore is safe, despite staggering murder rate

Baltimore has a high murder rate compared to the national average. In 202_ALPHA, the city recorded 201 homicides, translating to a rate of about 35.2 per 100,000 people, based on a population of roughly 570,000. The U.S. national average in recent years hovers around 7.5 per 100,000, making Baltimore’s rate over four times higher. While 2024’s total was a significant drop from 261 in 2023 and the lowest since 2011, it still ranks among the highest for major U.S. cities, often trailing only places like St. Louis. Historical peaks, like 344 homicides in 2015, underscore Baltimore’s long-standing struggle with violent crime, though recent declines suggest some progress.

Rep. Brandon Gill: Would you describe Baltimore as a safe city?
Dem witness: My family is in Baltimore...Yes...Of course it is!
Gill: *Lists off crime statistics*
Dem witness: It's what you feel.
Gill: If you're murdered, I don't think it matters what you feel.