El Paso Standard

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) has concerns about crime in Texas, and he recently took to social media to say that work needs to be done to ensure the safety of his constituents.

“No one should feel unsafe in their community,” Gonzales posted recently on Twitter. “This year, a record number of Americans have reported an increase in crime in their neighborhood. We must support our men and women in blue as they work to uphold law and order.”

Gonzales included a link to a recent report by Gallup, which said a record high 56% of the country feels that crime has increased at the local level, up 5% from last year. This is also the highest level sine 1972. The number of Americans saying that the local area has more crime than a year ago has increased more than any time over the past 50 years.

Gallop’s report added that 78% feel there is more national crime. The highest level came in 1992 when it was 89%. The lowest was in 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks. The report also noted that 13% of Americans say crime is down, and 7% say it is the same as last year. The report additionally pointed out that the 2020 crime statistics released by the FBI showed a major increase in murders across the country.

The report also said that feelings on crime can coincide with political affiliation. In particular, 95% of Republicans polled think there is more national crime. This is a record high for any party. For local crime, 73% of Republicans say it has risen compared to 51% for independents and 42% for Democrats.

It was also noted that 61% of Democrats report that there is a rise in crime nationally, but it is similar to last year yet not as high as the final years of the Trump presidency, when 75% reported an increase.