Birmingham, Alabama, September 10, 2025
News Summary
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt criticized Birmingham’s rising crime rates, attributing them to the policies of Democrat leadership. During a press briefing, she pointed out that most high-crime cities in the U.S. are run by Democrats. Leavitt specifically called out Birmingham’s sanctuary policies, suggesting they allow criminals to evade justice. The recent homicide statistics show Birmingham had 151 violent deaths last year, but a decline in 2025 with only 57 homicides reported to date. The dialogue reflects tensions between local governance and federal oversight.
Birmingham, Alabama – White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt addressed the rising crime rates in Birmingham, attributing them to what she described as “disastrous policies” implemented by Democrat leadership in the city. During a press briefing, Leavitt responded to inquiries about the assistance the White House is providing to governors in red states who are combating high crime rates in major cities often governed by Democrats.
Leavitt emphasized that all but one of the top 20 high-crime cities in the United States are governed by Democrats, suggesting a correlation between leadership and rising crime. She specifically called out Jackson, Mississippi, labeling it a “de facto sanctuary city for criminals and illegal aliens.” This designation came in light of the elimination of cashless bail for misdemeanors in 2019, which Leavitt claims has contributed to increased crime rates.
In her critique, Leavitt focused on Birmingham, pointing to a resolution passed by the city council in 2017 that committed the city to establishing sanctuary policies. She argued that such approaches enable career criminals to persistently return to the streets, thus increasing acts of violence. Birmingham’s Mayor Randall Woodfin was unavailable for immediate comment regarding Leavitt’s statements.
President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to assist red state governors in dismantling policies that exacerbate crime and restoring law and order. Leavitt’s remarks come in the wake of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s comments labeling Alabama as one of the “top 3 murder states.” In the year 2024, Birmingham recorded 151 violent deaths, marking its highest-ever homicide total and surpassing the previous record set in 1933. However, recent data shows a decline in violent crime for 2025, with only 57 homicides reported thus far.
In regard to Jackson, Leavitt’s assertions underscore a broader narrative surrounding crime concentrated in Democratic-led cities, highlighting a perceived disconnect between state leadership and local governance. The Mayor of Jackson, John Horhn, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents while attracting federal support for urban growth, in response to the criticisms outlined by Leavitt.
The Mississippi government’s leadership, under Governor Tate Reeves, criticized previous administrations for systemic issues and extended support for the new mayor’s focus on enhancing safety. As the national crime trends in major cities exhibit a marked decline over the last two years, some data indicates that cities governed by Democratic leaders generally maintain lower average murder rates compared to those run by Republican leaders.
The commentary surrounding Birmingham reflects ongoing tensions between local governance and federal oversight, especially amid rising concerns about crime. While there has been a noted decrease in urban crime in recent years, the Trump administration continues to critique policies in cities led by Democrats without escalating political conflict with governors in red states.
Key Crime Statistics
| Year | Birmingham Homicides |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 151 |
| 2025 (to date) | 57 |
FAQ
What recent claims did White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt make about Birmingham?
Karoline Leavitt attributed Birmingham’s rising crime rates to policies implemented by Democrat leadership, emphasizing the city’s past resolutions to establish sanctuary policies.
How has Birmingham’s crime rate changed recently?
Birmingham recorded 151 violent deaths in 2024, the highest in its history, but saw a decrease in homicides in 2025, with 57 reported thus far.
What are the broader implications of Leavitt’s remarks regarding crime in urban areas?
Leavitt’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between local and federal governance related to crime policies, particularly in cities led by Democrats.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Trump Spokeswoman Blames Democrat-Run Alabama City’s Disastrous Policies for Crime
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- The Guardian: Trump on Chicago Crime
- Google Search: Chicago Crime Statistics
- Clarion Ledger: Trump Press Secretary Calls Jackson a Sanctuary City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jackson, Mississippi
- Newsweek: Major Cities with Higher Murder Rates
- Google Scholar: Crime Rates in Major Cities
- Washington Informer: Baltimore and Birmingham Progress
- Google News: Baltimore Birmingham Crime Rate
- AL.com: Trump Right to Send National Guard to Fight Crime
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
