Albuquerque Mayor, Tim Keller, wants to crack down on gun violence.
Keller referred to the current crime epidemic plaguing the city as "the deadliest wave of gun violence in history," during his State of the State address on May 20.
Albuquerque's homicide rate ranks 17th out of the 70 largest cities in the United States, according to a KOAT report. The report found there were 106 homicides in 2021 and 115 in 2022, an 8% increase.
“We are facing the deadliest wave of gun violence in history, and it’s our kids who are paying the highest price,” Keller said. "While the state and (Washington) D.C. should do more to confront this national epidemic, we can’t wait. And we won’t."
Albuquerque is one of 27 cities across the country that saw an increase in homicides in 2022, while homicides dropped 5% nationwide, and 13% in Phoenix, according to Pete Dinelli’s website.
"This summer, we’re cracking down on guns," Keller said in his speech. "We are triangulating existing restrictions around schools to aggressively prosecute any crime with guns anywhere in downtown. Commit a crime with a gun, any crime, we will pursue federal gun charges to get you off our streets. We can’t afford to do anything less.”
Since 2014, Albuquerque has been under the watchful eye of the Department of Justice as part of a federal mandate. The Albuquerque Police Department has to reach a 95% operational compliance level, KRQE reported.
Keller noted that there has been a 37% increase in cadet salaries and 92% compliance with Albuquerque Police. He said his administration expects the largest police cadet class in years this August, KOAT reported.
Keller said that while the homicide rate is rising, the overall violent crime rate has dropped, and the number of homicides since Jan. 1 is 32, compared to 44 at this time last year.
The mayor’s critics, however, noted Albuquerque had 80 homicides or fewer each year from 2017-2020, but more than 100 in the past two years.