Tue Sep 24 04:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Crime Statistics Debunk ABC Moderator’s Claim During Trump-Harris Debate

**Ohio, September 2024** – Recent data released by the U.S. Department of Justice contradicts a statement made by ABC news anchor David Muir during a debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Muir disputed Trump’s claim that crime rates were rising, stating that they were actually declining. However, the National Crime Victimization Survey reveals a starkly different picture.

According to the survey, the “violent victimization rate” soared by 37% between 2020 and 2023, rising from 16.4 incidents per thousand to 22.5 incidents per thousand. Increases were observed across all categories of violent crime, including assault, robbery, and sexual assault. Additionally, property crime also increased, with a jump from 94.5 incidents per 1000 to 102.2 incidents per 1000. This rise was primarily attributed to motor vehicle theft and “other theft,” which encompasses crimes like shoplifting.

The data clearly supports Trump’s assertion that crime rates have risen under the Harris-Biden administration. This discrepancy raises questions about Muir’s statement, which was based on incomplete data reported by the FBI.

Several factors contribute to the inaccuracy of FBI statistics:

* **Underreporting:** Many victims choose not to report crimes to the police due to factors like slow response times, distrust in the justice system, fear of retaliation, or their own involvement in criminal activities, particularly among undocumented immigrants.
* **Incomplete Reporting:** Not all police departments submit their data to the FBI.

The inconsistency between the National Crime Victimization Survey and the FBI data highlights the potential for skewed interpretations and misleading narratives regarding crime rates. This incident prompts a larger discussion about the reliability of mainstream media reporting and the potential for political bias influencing their coverage of factual issues.

**About the Author:** Joe Fried is a CPA who has conducted numerous certified financial audits. He is the author of “Debunked? An auditor reviews the 2020 election” and “How Elections Are Stolen.”

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