Sangamon Sun

Mary Miller, U.S. Representative of Illinois, said that Democratic leadership has made Washington, D.C. one of the deadliest capitals in the world and urged Congress to intervene. The statement was made on X.

"Democrats turn any city they run into war zones, including DC, one of the deadliest capitals on Earth," said Mary E. Miller, U.S. Representative from Illinois. "More dangerous than Mexico City and Havana!! Congress must act NOW and take back control. This is not okay."

In response to rising public concern over violent crime, Washington, D.C.'s Democratic-led Council enacted new policies in 2025, including an expanded youth curfew and extended pretrial detention powers. According to the Washington Post, the new curfew applies to minors up to age 17 and allows targeted enforcement in high-crime zones. Critics have raised concerns over transparency and civil liberties, especially as these laws expand police discretion.

The Washington Post reported that D.C. experienced a 32% drop in homicides in 2024, falling from 274 in 2023 to 187 in 2024. Violent crime overall declined by 35% during the same period. These figures mark a notable reversal after a multi-year surge in violence that peaked in 2023.

According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the city’s homicide rate in 2024 was approximately 27.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate is higher than those of many global capitals such as London (1.3), Berlin (1.1), and Paris (2.4), based on international crime datasets. D.C.'s elevated rate reflects persistent urban safety challenges despite recent improvements.

According to her official biography on the U.S. House website, Mary Miller is the Representative for Illinois’s 15th District, first elected in 2020. She serves on the House Committees on Agriculture, Education and the Workforce, and House Administration. Known for her conservative positions, Miller is affiliated with the Freedom Caucus and emphasizes election security and rural issues.