High profile murders draw attention to nationwide crime issues

WASHINGTON (TND) — Violence remains a stubborn issue for America's cities.

Over the weekend, two teens were shot in Baltimore’s inner harbor. Police were forced to shut down the popular tourist spot in Charm City.

Across the country, San Francisco is still reeling from the death of Cash App creator Bob Lee. The 43-year-old tech entrepreneur was stabbed to death there earlier this month. A friend of Lee’s said rising crime was one of the reasons he recently moved from San Francisco to Miami.

Residents are feeling like the city is not working for them and they just want clean streets, safe streets and good schools," said Joel Engardio, a member of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors.

Referencing Lee’s death, actress Sara Foster took to social media saying “I am a registered Democrat and I feel confident saying liberal politicians are ruining cities."

In Washington, D.C., 31-year-old visitor Christy Bautista died after being stabbed 30 times. Her attacker, George Sydnor should have been behind bars for armed robbery but a judge who was appointed by President Joe Biden released him early in January.

Rising crime also comes with economic consequences.

People fear going into certain areas. So who would ordinarily be the customers of certain businesses will shy away from those areas for fear of crime," said Jason Johnson, president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund.

Downtown sectors of cities are seeing an exodus of business as crime rates remain elevated. Nike closed their downtown Seattle location earlier this year, following the likes of Starbucks, Seattle Credit Union and other small business.

Chicago is seeing a similar phenomenon. A spokesperson for Citadel says they’re having a tough time recruiting top talent to Chicago because “talent wants to live in cities where they feel safe.

Recent polling showsthe economy remains the top issue for voters — close to 70% of Americans see crime as a real threat to most communities.