Los Angeles Murders Are Up 35% in Two Years as Gun Violence Surges - Time to get your Panic Room!

• Crime is top issue heading into November’s mayoral race

• Violent crime is up 8% this year in second-largest US city

Halfway through the year, murders in Los Angeles are surging on a wave of gun violence, following last year’s spike in crime.

The city saw 172 homicides through June 18, a 5.5% increase from the same period last year, and a 35% jump from the first half of 2020, according to Los Angeles Police Department data. Four more murders were registered in the past week, Los Angeles Police Department police chief Michel Moore at the commissioners’ meeting Tuesday.

Overall, violent crime is up about 8% as of last week in the US’s second-largest city. “Armed robberies continue to be a problem, at mini marts, gas station and liquor stores,” Moore said at a press briefing.