Crime in the nation’s capital has gotten so out of hand that the Mexican government is warning its citizens "to take precautions" "in areas previously considered safe" in Washington, D.C.
The Mexican consulate in Washington, D.C., released a statement Tuesday evening warning the "Mexican community" about the "significant increase in crime." The consulate told Mexicans in the city to "call 911" if they are "in an emergency" and also provided an emergency number for "consular assistance."
❗️Atención comunidad mexicana:
La ciudad de Washington, D.C. está presentando un aumento significativo de delitos en zonas antes consideradas como seguras.
Toma precauciones. En una emergencia, llama al 911. Para asistencia consular urgente, marca (202) 997-0560.#Cuidémonos
— Consulmex Washington (@ConsulMexWas) July 25, 2023
Although Mexico is known for its lawlessness, its homicide rate is not much higher than Washington, D.C.’s. In 2021, the district saw 23.52 homicides per 100,000 people. Mexico saw 28 per 100,000 in 2018.
The warning comes as the nation's capital battles rising crime. Washington, D.C., has recorded at least 138 homicides this year, 21 in the month of July alone. Although most cities across the United States are seeing an ebb in violent crime, Washington, D.C., has recorded a 37 percent increase in violent crime and a 19 percent increase in homicide this year.
Aside from the dramatic uptick in violent crime, Washington, D.C., has been shaken by a number of high-profile violent assaults and murders. Democratic Rep. Angie Craig (Minn.) was attacked in her building just blocks away from the Capitol in February, and a senior staffer for Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) nearly died after he was stabbed near his place of work. Both suspects in those cases had a lengthy criminal record but were allowed to roam the streets.