FBI deputy director says ‘violence, homicides and aggravated assaults’ occurring at ‘appalling rate’

FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate on Wednesday expressed concern with “violence, homicides and aggravated assaults,”  which he says are “occurring at an appalling rate” across the U.S.

Abbate gave the remarks, much of which focused on the growing number of female law enforcement officers — which he said now make up 45% of the law enforcement workforce — and their accomplishments, at an event for the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives in Miami.

He also noted, however, that the FBI is “concerned” about the threat of rising violent crime.

“We’re seeing a disturbing violent crime surge across the country. I know you’re seeing, it too. There’s gun violence, homicides and aggravated assaults, and are all occurring at an appalling rate, not to mention hate crimes and the persistent threat posed by violent extremists,” Abbate said, citing the agency’s 2020 incident-based crime data released last year, which showed a 30% jump in homicides in 2020.

More than 21,000 homicides were reported in 2020 — 4,901 more than in 2019, the biggest leap since the 1960s. Overall violent crime —  which includes homicides, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault —  increased by 5.6 % and property crimes dropped by nearly 8%, according to FBI data. – READ MORE