Crime Surge in Ocasio-Cortez’s District: A Call for Action

Escalating Crime Rates

In recent years, the Bronx and Queens neighborhoods represented by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have witnessed an alarming surge in major crime rates. An analysis of NYPD data over the past few years reveals a staggering 70% increase in major crimes since Ocasio-Cortez took office in 2019. This rise is significantly higher than the citywide average of 30%, indicating that something is amiss within her district.

Major crimes encompass serious offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and auto theft. The most affected precinct, the 110th in Queens, has seen a 105% increase, the highest of any precinct in New York City. Residents within this precinct, especially around Roosevelt Avenue, are on high alert, with rampant issues like human trafficking and prostitution creating an atmosphere of fear.

Local Perspectives

Residents have not held back in expressing their frustrations regarding the rising lawlessness in their neighborhoods. Guadelupe Alvarez, a lifelong Elmhurst resident, voiced her disappointment over Ocasio-Cortez’s lack of engagement with the very issues plaguing her community. “She’s not doing s–t. She doesn’t live in the neighborhood, she doesn’t care,” she lamented, pointing to the brazen criminal activities surrounding her home, including a suspected brothel directly across the street.

Alvarez’s disillusionment parallels a broader sentiment among constituents who feel abandoned. She reflected on her declining hopes for her neighborhood, stating, “I can’t wait to get – pardon my language – the f–k out of here.” Her experience at a town hall meeting further added to her frustration: Ocasio-Cortez dismissed her concerns, opting to send an assistant instead.

Broader Community Concerns

Elmhurst’s Ramses Frias, a Republican City Council candidate, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “You have a mouth to speak up. People are suffering. They’re scared to go outside.” His remarks highlight a communal sense of urgency for leadership that prioritizes public safety above political agendas.

Compounding the issue is the visible presence of gangs and illegal activities on the streets, prompting residents to plead for federal intervention as public safety reaches a crisis point. The environment has deteriorated to such an extent that people have expressed concern for their physical safety, fearing not just the potential for violence but also the implications of unregulated illegal activities.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Critics argue that Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric against police has contributed to an unprecedented recruitment crisis within the NYPD. Experts point to this anti-cop narrative as a significant factor in diminishing the morale and efficacy of law enforcement. “Nobody wants to be a police officer; it’s been so villainized,” noted Hannah Meyers from the Manhattan Institute, emphasizing that this attitude directly affects crime prevention efforts.

Despite the alarming statistics, Ocasio-Cortez has remained relatively quiet on the subject of rising crime. While she previously condemned funding cuts to the NYPD as insufficient, her stance appears to have shifted toward downplaying the concerns raised by constituents. Her dismissal of rising crime rates as “hysteria” and her claim that “police budgets have nothing to do with crime levels” have not gone unnoticed in a community grappling with daily dangers.

Impact on Residents

As crime rises, so does the fear within the community. Residents express feelings of hopelessness regarding their safety, indicating that they feel trapped in environments overwhelmed by drugs, gangs, and violence. The dissonance between Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric and the lived experiences of her constituents raises questions about accountability and the necessity for tangible action.

The gap between her political ideals and the realities faced by her constituents may explain the rising tide of discontent among those who initially supported her. “If you don’t feel safe, you’re not free,” posited Betsy Brantner Smith of the National Police Association—a stark reminder that ideals must align with actionable solutions.

Examining Data Trends

A thorough analysis of crime data illustrates the significant increase in offenses across Ocasio-Cortez’s 14th Congressional district. The NYPD’s historical crime statistics reveal a shocking upward trend in major felony offenses. Residents in precincts 43 and 45 in the Bronx, along with precincts 109, 110, 114, and 115 in Queens, have experienced these burgeoning crime rates firsthand.

In light of these findings, many are left questioning the effectiveness of local leadership in addressing these pressing issues. With Ocasio-Cortez’s office silent on this critical topic, constituents are left seeking answers and, more importantly, actions that will restore safety and confidence in their communities.