Missouri politicians love to talk tough on crime. Whether they’re standing behind a podium at the state capitol or pushing out glossy campaign mailers, they boast about making Missouri safer. But behind all the speeches and slogans lies a hard truth:
Missouri is one of the most dangerous states in the country.
According to the latest FBI crime statistics, Missouri ranks among the top 10 states for violent crime, with 458.7 incidents per 100,000 people in 2023 — significantly higher than the national average. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City consistently rank among the most violent in the nation, with St. Louis topping the list for murder rates year after year.
But this isn’t just an urban issue. The ripple effects of violence and lawlessness reach every part of the state — from our small towns to our rural communities.
All Talk, No Action in Jefferson City
Despite these disturbing trends, Missouri’s politicians seem more interested in scoring political points than addressing the root causes of crime. They’ve had years — even decades — to develop policies that actually make Missouri communities safer. Instead, we get empty promises and culture war distractions.
While lawmakers continue to pass resolutions about ...
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