A once idyllic tourist town falls prey to surging crime rates, exposing the destructive consequences of the leftist push to defund the police.
Asheville, North Carolina, once a picturesque tourist destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been plagued by escalating violent crime. Unsurprisingly, this downward spiral coincides with the city’s leftist governance and a push to defund the police.
Just last week, an argument over a cigarette led to a man’s death after he was slashed in the neck at a downtown bus stop, according to the authorities. This tragic event follows a series of armed robberies in a district once renowned for its historic architecture and vibrant dining scene.
Social media users have expressed their disappointment with Asheville’s decline, citing the left’s influence as a key factor. One tweet lamented, “Asheville has turned into a S**thole. Ten years ago, it was a nice place to go, listen to music, and enjoy the nightlife. Then the left moved in.”
City Manager Debra Campbell is hoping to address the city’s safety concerns by implementing targeted actions over a 60-day period. As she told Fox News, “During this 60-day period, city staff will be tracking and testing actions we hope will make for a safer downtown.” This initiative will be monitored and assessed to determine the effectiveness of the city’s efforts in curbing violence and improving safety.
Asheville Police Chief David Zack emphasized the importance of a data-driven approach, saying, “The approach that we’re taking is data-driven and driven primarily with what we’ve seen with rising violent crime downtown but also rising property crime.” Asheville has seen a disturbing increase in aggravated assaults and armed robberies, with APD statistics showing a 21.8% and 20% rise from 2021 to 2022, respectively.
NC tourist town rocked by violence in wake of defund police movement rolls out plan to combat rise in crime
Violent crime in Asheville, North Carolina, has increased in recent years as a the city police force faces a staffing crisis— Dotsthoughts (@DorothyStangle) April 24, 2023
To combat the issue, the city plans to bolster law enforcement presence downtown, including officers on foot, bikes, and increased vehicle patrols. Additionally, they will prioritize cleanliness by addressing litter, needles, and biological waste. Increased surveillance in high-crime and drug-use areas is also on the agenda, along with attention to homelessness.
Asheville is also launching the Community Responder Pilot Program, led by the Asheville Fire Department, with the goal of “supporting individuals in crisis and providing a more visible City public safety presence downtown.”
However, the city’s police force is currently understaffed, complicating efforts to restore safety to the once-thriving tourist destination. The consequences of the defund the police movement have become apparent, as communities and local businesses suffer, and the remaining police officers face increased danger and difficulty in their jobs.
This troubling situation in Asheville is a stark reminder of the potential harm that leftist ideologies, such as defunding the police, can inflict on communities. It is crucial to recognize the need for a strong and well-funded law enforcement presence to maintain safety and stability in our towns and cities.
Sources: 100percentfedup, Fox News
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