Thomas Abt
@thomasabt.bsky.social
Author, BLEEDING OUT. Founding Director, VRC. Associate Research Professor, UMD. Senior Fellow, CCJ. Opinions, my own.
Really proud of the VRC's progress in 2025. On to 2026!
In 2025 the VRC deepened its impact. Highlights included hosting the Social Media Symposium; expanding partnerships to five cities, including Memphis and @atlantageorgia.bsky.social; presenting at the American Society of Criminology conference; and welcoming our Deputy Director.
A year of growth!
A year of growth!
January 12, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Really proud of the VRC's progress in 2025. On to 2026!
Reposted by Thomas Abt
This is great news.
Question: Which cities saw historic lows in violence in 2025? Answer: A lot of them. open.substack.com/pub/jasher/p...
The Cities That Saw Historic Murder Lows in 2025
Last year was a historic year in terms of the nation’s murder rate signalling the third straight year of record declines.
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:52 PM
This is great news.
Question: Which cities saw historic lows in violence in 2025? Answer: A lot of them. open.substack.com/pub/jasher/p...
The Cities That Saw Historic Murder Lows in 2025
Last year was a historic year in terms of the nation’s murder rate signalling the third straight year of record declines.
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Question: Which cities saw historic lows in violence in 2025? Answer: A lot of them. open.substack.com/pub/jasher/p...
Pleased to be quoted in this @tonymess.bsky.social piece about declining violence in St. Louis. Lots of good work happening and @vrcinfo.bsky.social is pleased to play a role in it. www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
Messenger: Crime is down again in St. Louis. Why aren't we talking about it?
"Save Lives Now!" and other efforts are taking root. St. Louis elected and corporate leaders should be talking about it.
www.stltoday.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Pleased to be quoted in this @tonymess.bsky.social piece about declining violence in St. Louis. Lots of good work happening and @vrcinfo.bsky.social is pleased to play a role in it. www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
Paper out with @jpinasanchez.bsky.social & @marcelo-f-aebi.bsky.social in @socialindicators.bsky.social 🔔
How often do we compare crime recorded across countries? We show that crime counting rules vary widely across countries and this strongly affects cross-country comparisons
How often do we compare crime recorded across countries? We show that crime counting rules vary widely across countries and this strongly affects cross-country comparisons
January 11, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Paper out with @jpinasanchez.bsky.social & @marcelo-f-aebi.bsky.social in @socialindicators.bsky.social 🔔
How often do we compare crime recorded across countries? We show that crime counting rules vary widely across countries and this strongly affects cross-country comparisons
How often do we compare crime recorded across countries? We show that crime counting rules vary widely across countries and this strongly affects cross-country comparisons
Reposted by Thomas Abt
Oona Hathaway: The Great Unraveling Has Begun www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
Opinion | The Great Unraveling Has Begun
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Oona Hathaway: The Great Unraveling Has Begun www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
Gun violence declined again in 2025, hitting some of the lowest levels in a decade, but the scale is still staggering.
At least 40,000 people were shot.
Gun suicides continued to rise.
Over 4,400 children and teens were hit by gunfire.
More on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com for @thetrace.org
At least 40,000 people were shot.
Gun suicides continued to rise.
Over 4,400 children and teens were hit by gunfire.
More on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com for @thetrace.org
Gun Violence by the Numbers in 2025
U.S. gun violence reached record lows, but still more than 105 people were shot each day. Here are other statistics that illuminate this year’s trends.
www.thetrace.org
January 5, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Gun violence declined again in 2025, hitting some of the lowest levels in a decade, but the scale is still staggering.
At least 40,000 people were shot.
Gun suicides continued to rise.
Over 4,400 children and teens were hit by gunfire.
More on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com for @thetrace.org
At least 40,000 people were shot.
Gun suicides continued to rise.
Over 4,400 children and teens were hit by gunfire.
More on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com for @thetrace.org
Reposted by Thomas Abt
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social recently spoke with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social on @npr.org about violence reduction in Baltimore and nationwide. Across the country, evidence-informed, community-informed strategies are having an impact. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n....
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in 2025. A look at what the city did
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in the past year. NPR's Michel Martin asks Thomas Abt, a criminology professor at the University of Maryland, what Baltimore did right.
www.npr.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social recently spoke with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social on @npr.org about violence reduction in Baltimore and nationwide. Across the country, evidence-informed, community-informed strategies are having an impact. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n....
Reposted by Thomas Abt
"You have to be willing to follow the research where it leads, even if it takes you places that run counter to your assumptions." @joycewhitevance.bsky.social spoke with @abgelb.bsky.social about CCJ's work and why a fair and effective justice system is vital for democracy. tinyurl.com/mt6jrsme
Five Questions with Criminal Justice Reform Leader Adam Gelb
About some of America's unfinished business...
joycevance.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:52 PM
"You have to be willing to follow the research where it leads, even if it takes you places that run counter to your assumptions." @joycewhitevance.bsky.social spoke with @abgelb.bsky.social about CCJ's work and why a fair and effective justice system is vital for democracy. tinyurl.com/mt6jrsme
Here’s some good news from last week: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Trump ends National Guard deployment in 3 cities after Supreme Court loss
The president said troops will no longer be in Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland.
www.politico.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Here’s some good news from last week: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Not sure @bsky.app is worth my time. I want to be supportive, but my same posts at Twitter (will always call it that) and especially LinkedIn consistently do better. I also find the content here less interesting. Open to being convinced - is it worth it?
January 2, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Not sure @bsky.app is worth my time. I want to be supportive, but my same posts at Twitter (will always call it that) and especially LinkedIn consistently do better. I also find the content here less interesting. Open to being convinced - is it worth it?
Here's me on NPR talking with Michelle Martin about what's happening in Baltimore and around the country. They dropped some of the specifics about the city from the discussion, so let me add those back below. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n...
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in 2025. A look at what the city did
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in the past year. NPR's Michel Martin asks Thomas Abt, a criminology professor at the University of Maryland, what Baltimore did right.
www.npr.org
January 1, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Here's me on NPR talking with Michelle Martin about what's happening in Baltimore and around the country. They dropped some of the specifics about the city from the discussion, so let me add those back below. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n...
Here are 2 great articles on Baltimore, a city on track to have the lowest annual homicides since the 70s. The 1st focuses on the city's highly success GVRS strategy and law enforcement, the 2nd emphasizes proven supports and services. Both are critically important.
December 29, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Here are 2 great articles on Baltimore, a city on track to have the lowest annual homicides since the 70s. The 1st focuses on the city's highly success GVRS strategy and law enforcement, the 2nd emphasizes proven supports and services. Both are critically important.
Crime fell in the U.S. by record-setting amounts. Will trend continue in 2026? www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
Crime in the U.S. fell in 2025. Will the trend continue?
Crime rates dropped across much of the U.S. in 2025. That was true for both property and violent crime. And it declined nearly everywhere: In big cities and small towns, and in red and blue states.
www.npr.org
December 26, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Crime fell in the U.S. by record-setting amounts. Will trend continue in 2026? www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
Looking at the historic reduction in US homicides from many angles. I appreciate the Real-Time Crime Index data - 12-month rolling trends for 570 cities 2018-2025. But this graph from U Chicago Crime Lab made me appreciate what Baltimore and St Louis have accomplished from their peak to 2025.
December 23, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Looking at the historic reduction in US homicides from many angles. I appreciate the Real-Time Crime Index data - 12-month rolling trends for 570 cities 2018-2025. But this graph from U Chicago Crime Lab made me appreciate what Baltimore and St Louis have accomplished from their peak to 2025.
2025 will be historic in terms of crime and violence reduction. Murder will drop by the largest one-year percentage ever recorded and fall to levels we haven't seen since the 60s.
Crime in the US almost certainly fell at a historic clip in 2025 led by the largest drop in murder ever recorded. The US likely had the lowest murder & property crime rates since at least 1960 & lowest violent crime rate since the mid-60s. My year in review:
jasher.substack.com/p/2025-year-...
jasher.substack.com/p/2025-year-...
2025 Year in Review: A Remarkable Drop In Crime
Crime almost certainly fell an enormous amount in 2025.
jasher.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM
2025 will be historic in terms of crime and violence reduction. Murder will drop by the largest one-year percentage ever recorded and fall to levels we haven't seen since the 60s.
Reposted by Thomas Abt
It was a full house last night! The VRC is energized by the thoughtful dialogue helping shape public safety. We appreciate everyone who joined, including representatives from @durhamcounty.bsky.social and @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social. Photos feature Mayor Leonardo Williams and @thomasabt.bsky.social.
December 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
It was a full house last night! The VRC is energized by the thoughtful dialogue helping shape public safety. We appreciate everyone who joined, including representatives from @durhamcounty.bsky.social and @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social. Photos feature Mayor Leonardo Williams and @thomasabt.bsky.social.
Reposted by Thomas Abt
We’re excited to welcome Amber Parker as the VRC’s new Deputy Director! Amber brings decades of experience in justice reform, violence prevention, and community safety, having worked across federal, state, and local systems. Read the full announcement below! www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
December 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
We’re excited to welcome Amber Parker as the VRC’s new Deputy Director! Amber brings decades of experience in justice reform, violence prevention, and community safety, having worked across federal, state, and local systems. Read the full announcement below! www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
The VRC is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social's strategy and learning session on violence reduction. @thomasabt.bsky.social will present highlighting how data-driven, community-centered interventions can reduce violence. We look forward to the conversation.
December 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The VRC is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social's strategy and learning session on violence reduction. @thomasabt.bsky.social will present highlighting how data-driven, community-centered interventions can reduce violence. We look forward to the conversation.
Welcome Amber Parker!!
We’re excited to welcome Amber Parker as the VRC’s new Deputy Director! Amber brings decades of experience in justice reform, violence prevention, and community safety, having worked across federal, state, and local systems. Read the full announcement below! www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
December 15, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Welcome Amber Parker!!
Philly leads the way on these "clean and green" interventions that should be a component of most city anti-violence portfolios. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/h...
In Philadelphia, Beautified Blocks Build Community and Safety
www.nytimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Philly leads the way on these "clean and green" interventions that should be a component of most city anti-violence portfolios. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/h...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
The Violence Reduction Center is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social as they launch the first phase of their Violence Reduction Plan. We’re grateful to be part of this effort to build a safer future for all communities. Read here: hoodline.com/2025/12/durh...
Durham Invites Residents to Informative Session on Violence Reduction with Expert Thomas Abt at County Public Library
Durham is launching its Violence Reduction Plan with a public session featuring expert Thomas Abt at the Durham County Public Library on December 17, aimed at addressing the city's violence issues.
hoodline.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The Violence Reduction Center is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social as they launch the first phase of their Violence Reduction Plan. We’re grateful to be part of this effort to build a safer future for all communities. Read here: hoodline.com/2025/12/durh...
If you believe Trump is a law and order president, I have a bridge to sell you. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Trump pardons major drug traffickers despite his anti-drug rhetoric
The president has granted clemency to about 100 people accused of drug-related crimes during his two terms in office, a Post analysis shows.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:57 PM
If you believe Trump is a law and order president, I have a bridge to sell you. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Thomas Abt
Update: "The 'crime emergency' declared by President Donald Trump resulted in 932 arrests of immigrants with no criminal conviction or pending charge, federal data shows." www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/...
Most immigrants arrested in Trump’s D.C. crackdown had no criminal records
A Post analysis of federal data shows that the arrests of immigrants with no prior criminal record shot up sixfold during the Trump administration’s crackdown.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Update: "The 'crime emergency' declared by President Donald Trump resulted in 932 arrests of immigrants with no criminal conviction or pending charge, federal data shows." www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/...
We should abolish presidential pardons. Neither side uses them responsibly. Make them go through Congress. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Making sense of the Henry Cuellar pardon
The president views clemency in the monarchical tradition. This undermines the rule of law.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:13 PM
We should abolish presidential pardons. Neither side uses them responsibly. Make them go through Congress. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...