Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw Crime, Punishment, and the DC Federal Takeover | Charles Fain Lehman
Sep 10, 2025
Charles Fain Lehman, a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor at City Journal, delves into the complexities of crime in DC and urban safety. He discusses the impact of public disorder and how it contributes to crime hotspots, emphasizing the role of homelessness and sanitation issues. The conversation also touches on the challenges of policing shortages and bail reform. Lehman highlights successful past deterrence strategies and critiques the cultural influences surrounding mass shootings, providing a comprehensive look at the realities behind America's crime waves.
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Personal Accounts Make Crime Tangible
- Dan Crenshaw described staff and constituent encounters that made D.C. crime feel real to him despite disputes over statistics.
- He recounted a staffer held at gunpoint and his own observations walking near his home to illustrate lived experience.
Stats Are Imperfect But Trends Matter
- Charles Fain Lehman argued crime statistics are imperfect but trends across cities and hard-to-falsify crimes align with reality.
- He cautioned against wholesale dismissal of official data while acknowledging local reporting issues.
Disorder Is Distinct From Major Crime
- Lehman distinguished disorder (domination of public spaces for private purposes) from major crimes and linked disorder to reduced livability.
- He argued public disorder both creates fear and can be a predicate to major crime.
