Violent crime is spiking across U.S. cities. Recent research documents a 30 percent surge in murders in 2020 and a 16 percent increase for the first half of 2021.

Nonfatal assaults are rising as well. That said, the United States is not in the grip of a national crime wave, as some suggest. Property and drug crimes have declined in most places, and even homicide rates remain well below historical highs.

While such context is important, it does not mean the recent rise in violence should be minimized. It has already killed or injured thousands, with many more still at risk. Something must be done, and soon.