The tragic stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, just 23 years old, on Charlotte’s light rail serves as a stark reminder of the violent crime epidemic that many leaders have failed to address. The assailant, Decarlos Brown Jr., entered the system with 14 prior arrests. His continued freedom in the streets of Charlotte raises questions about local law enforcement and the policies championed by Democrats controlling the city. Such waves of violence claim innocent lives like Zarutska’s, showcasing the fallout of ineffective crime management.
During my time as transportation secretary under President Donald Trump, I witnessed how effective leadership can bring about necessary changes. From overhauling the air traffic control system to revitalizing Union Station in Washington, D.C., I saw how deliberate action can transform chaos into order. Trump’s response to urban crime reveals that American decline is not predetermined; it is a choice made by policymakers.
To address safety concerns in Charlotte, I launched an investigation into the city’s transit authorities and their security protocols. This scrutiny is not limited to North Carolina; the issue of public safety resonates in cities across the country where anarchy has become a common sight. The consequences of inadequate crime policies are evident and disturbing.
Trump’s decisive actions in D.C. underscore an essential truth: crime arises from policy decisions. The president’s emergency declaration and the surge of federal law enforcement have led to immediate improvements in public safety. By leveraging the resources of the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals, along with the National Guard, Trump has demonstrated that crime can be decreased through the right measures. Even D.C.’s mayor acknowledged the positive impact of federal officers in restoring order.
Leftist policies prioritizing criminals over victims have led to once-thriving cities becoming battlegrounds. Tolerance for open drug markets and defunding the police have not only failed to reduce crime but have worsened conditions on the streets. Homelessness, too, is aggravated by these same permissive policies, with public parks and sidewalks succumbing to addiction and disorder. The president’s approach proves that emphasizing public safety can rekindle order where it has deteriorated.
Even some Democrats are reluctantly coming to grips with these harsh realities. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, amidst rising crime in Baltimore, previously resisted federal assistance when Trump offered help. But recently, Moore made a significant pivot, calling for more state police and seeking collaboration with federal agencies. His decision, albeit delayed, acknowledges the efficacy of additional resources in combating crime. Baltimore’s high homicide rates and rampant drug use underscore the failures of blue-state leadership.
Moore’s shift shows that even the deepest blue leaders can appreciate successful tactics when confronted with escalating violence. If he can concede that reinforcements work, others must also reflect on their policies. Accountability is essential. Trump’s firm stance in D.C. serves as a model for tackling public safety, indicating that it is not merely a local concern but a national priority.
The American people have long grown weary of empty promises and ineffective governance. Urban leaders face a critical choice: continue enabling disorder or prioritize safety and accountability. History has shown that progressive crime policies foster chaos, yet Trump has provided a clear blueprint for how to reclaim our cities.
As America rebuilds its infrastructure, it must also prioritize secure streets as a fundamental element of prosperity. The notion that crime is inevitable is a false narrative. Trump’s strategy offers a viable alternative—a rejection of policies that enable violence.
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