Violent crime in Washington state has surged by 55% since 2015, according to data from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, or WASPC.
In 2015, the number of violent crimes reported totaled 18,925, compared to 29,368 in 2021.
Murders have increased by 95% between 2015 and 2021, aggravated assaults by 73%, and rape by 51%.
Some legislators have said the rise in crime is a result of recent police reform legislation that they believe isn’t getting fixed this session.