Wes Moore on Baltimore Having 262 Murders, 5 Times National Average When He Became Governor (Part 6)

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When Wes Moore became Maryland's first Black governor, he inherited a grim legacy: Baltimore's homicide rate had skyrocketed to 262 murders in 2023, over five times the national average. Gov. Moore highlighted Baltimore’s harrowing eight-year streak of 300+ homicides annually and vowed not to be a governor who merely offers thoughts and prayers. Instead, he adopted a comprehensive strategy. Recognizing the importance of local law enforcement, he invested significantly to address critical personnel shortages, emphasizing the need for integrity and accountability among officers.

He also leveraged technology, using predictive analytics to not just solve but prevent crimes. Additionally, Moore prioritized community investment, supporting violence prevention groups and fostering coordination among various stakeholders. Maryland became the sole state to fund the U.S. Attorney's office directly, aiming to remove violent offenders and illegal guns from the streets. Moore’s multifaceted approach has yielded remarkable results. In the 18 months since taking office, Maryland witnessed a significant drop in its homicide rate, particularly in Baltimore, which saw its lowest numbers since before Moore was born.