Birmingham, AL, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Rising crime rates in Birmingham, mainly driven by theft and burglary, have fueled controversy over potential National Guard deployment. While overall crime has increased by over 4%, violent crime rates have seen a decline, raising concerns among community leaders about police staffing and the racial implications of military intervention. Alabama leaders blame ‘soft on crime’ policies for the spike, while comparisons to authoritarian practices emerge amid discussions on community safety measures.
Birmingham Crime Trends Lead to Controversy Over Leadership and National Guard Deployment
The White House has highlighted Birmingham as a contentious example of rising crime rates attributed to Democrat leadership, igniting debates about potential intervention from the National Guard. Reports indicate that crime in Birmingham has surged by more than 4% from the previous year, driven predominantly by incidents of theft and burglary. In contrast, violent crime has notably decreased by nearly 5%, and homicide rates have plummeted over 51% this year, a significant improvement following the city’s record of 151 homicides in 2024.
As of 2025, Birmingham has recorded 57 homicides, prompting neighborhood leaders to voice concerns regarding persistent issues such as dangerous driving behaviors, drug-related activities, and prostitution. Specific locations, such as Wahouma Park, have been identified for troubling signs of reckless driving, indicating a need for enhanced law enforcement presence.
In light of Birmingham’s crime challenges, the president of a local neighborhood association has called attention to the understaffing of the Birmingham Police Department, and has expressed support for the deployment of National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement efforts. However, not all community leaders agree; some have raised concerns that such military action could be racially motivated and disproportionately affect Black and brown communities within the city. Criticism has also emerged regarding the analogy of deploying the National Guard to authoritarian practices observed in nations like Russia and China, suggesting that community leaders oppose external military intervention for policing local issues.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville has chimed in on the situation, denouncing what he describes as “soft on crime” policies from mayors in the area, and expressing support for the National Guard’s potential involvement. Meanwhile, a White House spokeswoman has attributed crime issues in Birmingham to sanctuary policies established by the City Council in 2017. These comments arose following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s comments branding Alabama as one of the “top 3 murder states” in the nation, prompting a discussion on strategies to collaborate with red-state governors in addressing crime in Democrat-led cities.
Despite the ongoing conversations surrounding crime rates, recent data has shown a general decline in violent crime across various U.S. cities over the past two years, contradicting claims of an unstoppable crime wave. Moreover, an analysis reveals that many cities with the highest murder rates, including Birmingham, Jackson, St. Louis, and Memphis, are situated within Republican-led states, prompting a closer examination of crime trends in relation to governance.
Background Information on Crime in Birmingham
Historically, Birmingham has grappled with crime dynamics stemming from a complex web of socioeconomic factors and local governance. The city experienced a surge in homicide rates throughout 2024, marking its highest point ever, which has drawn both state and national attention to the effectiveness of law enforcement protocols and community safety measures. Community leaders continue to stress the importance of sufficient police staffing and resource allocation to effectively combat crime in areas at risk.
Conclusion
The controversy over how to address rising crime rates in Birmingham reveals deep divides among community leaders, policymakers, and residents regarding the most effective measures. As discussions surrounding National Guard deployment continue, Birmingham serves as a case study for the implications of governance on crime trends in American cities.
FAQ Section
What has the White House said about Birmingham’s crime rates?
The White House has cited Birmingham as an example of a Democrat-run city experiencing rising crime, mainly due to theft and burglary increases.
How much has crime increased in Birmingham compared to last year?
Crime in Birmingham has increased by over 4% from the previous year, primarily influenced by incidents of theft and burglary.
Have violent crime rates in Birmingham changed recently?
Yes, violent crime rates in Birmingham have decreased by nearly 5%, with homicides dropping over 51% this year.
What are community leaders saying about police staffing in Birmingham?
Neighborhood leaders have raised concerns about a lack of staffing within the Birmingham Police Department, with some advocating for the deployment of National Guard troops to assist.
What are the opinions on deploying the National Guard in Birmingham?
While some community leaders support the National Guard’s involvement, others argue it may be racially motivated and liken it to authoritarian practices, opposing military intervention in local law enforcement.
Key Features of Birmingham’s Crime Trends
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Overall Crime Increase | Over 4% |
| Theft and Burglary Increase | Primary drivers of the increase |
| Violent Crime Decrease | Nearly 5% |
| Homicides in 2024 | 151 |
| Homicides in 2025 | 57 so far |
| Community Leaders’ Concerns | Dangerous driving, drugs, prostitution |
| Support for National Guard Deployment | From some local leaders |
| Opposition Reasons | Racial motivations and authoritarian comparisons |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Shooting of Ex-Friend Declared Justifiable Homicide
Birmingham Shooting Ruled Justifiable, Local Man Dead
Leavitt Blames Rising Crime in Birmingham on Democratic Policies
Pastor Faces Charges for Failing to Report Child Abuse
Charges Dismissed for Michigan Republicans in Fake Elector Scheme
Bessemer Police Investigate Homicide of Birmingham Man
Gruesome Stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail Train Sparks Outrage
Tragic Incident on North Carolina Train Shakes Community
Second Suspect Charged in Birmingham Shooting Death
Birmingham VA Hosts Memorial Ruck March for Suicide Awareness
Additional Resources
- WVTM 13: Birmingham Neighborhood Leaders React to Possibility of Troops
- AL.com: Trump Spokeswoman Blames Policies for Crime in Birmingham
- Fox News: Dem Crime Policies Harming Cities
- 1819 News: Alabama Cities in National Top 5 for Crime
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
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.
