McDowell Participates in House Judiciary Committee’s “Victims of Violent Crime” Field Hearing in Charlotte

september 29, 2025 – 8:00 AM

Charlotte, NC – Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) delivered a powerful address at today’s House Judiciary Committee field hearing on “Victims of Violent crime,” held in Charlotte, North Carolina.He passionately advocated for stricter measures against violent offenders and criticized approaches he characterized as lenient, asserting the need to prioritize the safety of law-abiding citizens.

Personal Loss Fuels Call For Change

Congressman McDowell directly confronted assertions made by a colleague, dismissing them as simplistic slogans. He revealed that his motivation for entering politics stemmed from the tragic death of his brother, a victim of fentanyl poisoning. He emphasized that this loss was not merely a statistic, but a deeply personal experience driving his commitment to legislative action.

“Nine months ago, I was sworn in to serve as a member of Congress, and the sole reason I ran was as of my brother,” McDowell stated. “He is one of those statistics, but he is not a number to me. My brother’s death, caused by fentanyl, stems from failed policies that have left our border vulnerable.”

Direct Challenge To Crime Statistics

Addressing families of victims present at the hearing, Congressman McDowell expressed his daily reminder of his brother’s fate. He described keeping a photograph of his brother in his office as a constant source of motivation for his legislative efforts. he insisted that something must be done to prevent further tragedies.

“I keep a picture of my brother in my office to remind myself daily why I’m here,” McDowell explained. “we cannot stand by as gorgeous lives are cut short by dangerous criminals who repeatedly cycle through the justice system.”

McDowell questioned Mr. Federico about the relevance of statistics presented earlier in the hearing,specifically those offered by a colleague,Mr. Asher. He directly asked if such data offered any solace to grieving families.

“Do the statistics that Mr. Asher shared with us today do anything to ease yoru pain?” he inquired of mr. Federico, who responded bluntly, “I think they’re crap.”

Witness Testimony Highlights Community Concerns

The hearing underscored growing anxieties surrounding escalating violence in Charlotte and nationally. Testimony from witnesses provided a vivid illustration of the real-world impact of crime on individuals and communities.

Witness Name	Affiliation
Mia Alderman	Grandmother of Mary Santina Collins
Steve Federico	Father of Logan Federico
Officer Justin Campbell	charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Michael Woody	828 bail Bonds, NC Representative for National Association of Bail Agents

Did You Know? According to the FBI’s latest data, violent crime rates increased in several major U.S. cities in 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and communities nationwide. Source: FBI

Understanding the Rise in Violent Crime

The increase in violent crime is a multifaceted issue with roots in socioeconomic factors, mental health challenges, and the illegal drug trade. Experts suggest a complex interplay of these elements, exacerbated by the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this requires a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about local crime statistics and community safety initiatives is crucial for residents. Engaging with local law enforcement and participating in neighborhood watch programs can contribute to a safer surroundings.

Frequently Asked questions About Violent Crime

• What is considered violent crime? Violent crime generally includes offenses like homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and sexual assault.
• What factors contribute to violent crime rates? Poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, access to firearms, and the presence of illegal drug markets are all contributing factors.
• What can be done to reduce violent crime? Strategies include investing in community policing, addressing socioeconomic disparities, expanding mental health services, and implementing evidence-based crime prevention programs.
• How does fentanyl contribute to the problem of violent crime? Fentanyl is a potent opioid that has led to a surge in overdose deaths and is often linked to other criminal activities.
• What role do bail bonds play in the criminal justice system? Bail bonds allow individuals accused of crimes to secure their release from jail while awaiting trial, ensuring they appear in court.

What are your thoughts on the strategies discussed for addressing violent crime? share your comments below,and let’s continue the conversation.

What specific community-based violence prevention programs did Representative McDowell cite as successful models?

Focus of the Charlotte Hearing: Addressing Rising Crime Rates

On September 29, 2025, Representative McDowell actively participated in a field hearing hosted by the House Judiciary Committee in Charlotte, North Carolina. The central theme of the hearing, titled “Victims of Violent Crime,” centered on the escalating rates of violent crime across the nation and, specifically, the impact on communities like Charlotte. The hearing aimed to provide a platform for victims,law enforcement officials,and legal experts to share their experiences and perspectives on addressing this critical issue. Key areas of discussion included gun violence, gang activity, and the challenges faced by the criminal justice system.

McDowell’s Key Contributions & Statements

Representative McDowell focused her contributions on several key areas during the hearing:

* Community-Based Violence Prevention Programs: McDowell emphasized the importance of investing in and expanding community-led initiatives designed to prevent violence before it occurs. She cited successful programs in other districts that focus on mentorship, job training, and conflict resolution.

* Support for Law Enforcement: Recognizing the crucial role of law enforcement,McDowell advocated for providing officers with the resources and training thay need to effectively combat crime while upholding constitutional rights. This included funding for advanced technology, de-escalation training, and mental health support for officers.

* victim services & Restorative Justice: McDowell highlighted the need for increased funding for victim services, including counseling, legal assistance, and financial support. she also expressed support for exploring restorative justice approaches in appropriate cases, allowing victims to have a voice in the process and perhaps find closure.

* Addressing Root Causes: McDowell stressed the importance of tackling the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to violent crime,such as poverty,lack of educational opportunities,and systemic inequalities.

Testimony from Victims and Law Enforcement

The hearing featured powerful testimony from individuals directly impacted by violent crime. Several victims shared their harrowing experiences, detailing the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these events. Law enforcement officials, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department representatives, discussed the challenges they face in investigating and prosecuting violent crimes, citing issues such as:

* Staffing Shortages: Many departments are struggling to recruit and retain qualified officers.

* Increased Gun Violence: The proliferation of illegal firearms is exacerbating the problem.

* complex Cases: Investigating violent crimes often requires meaningful resources and expertise.

* Witness Intimidation: Fear of retaliation often prevents witnesses from coming forward.

The Role of Federal Funding & Legislation

Discussions also revolved around the potential for federal funding and legislation to support local efforts to combat violent crime. McDowell specifically inquired about the availability of grants for community violence intervention programs and the possibility of strengthening federal laws related to illegal gun trafficking. She also voiced support for initiatives aimed at improving data collection and analysis to better understand crime trends and inform effective strategies. Relevant legislation being considered includes potential amendments to existing gun control laws and increased funding for the Bureau of justice Assistance (BJA).

Impact on Charlotte’s Crime Prevention Strategies

The field hearing is expected to have a significant impact on Charlotte’s ongoing efforts to address violent crime. City officials are already reviewing the testimony and recommendations presented during the hearing to identify potential areas for betterment. Specifically, ther’s renewed focus on:

* Expanding the city’s Cure Violence program: This program utilizes outreach workers to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence.

* Increasing investment in youth progress programs: Providing at-risk youth with positive alternatives to gang involvement.

* Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations: Building trust and collaboration to address crime more effectively.

* Advocating for increased state and federal funding: Securing resources to support local crime prevention initiatives.

Resources for Victims of Violent Crime

Several organizations offer support and assistance to victims of violent crime:

* National Center for Victims of Crime: https://victimconnect.org/ – 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

* Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): https://ovc.ojp.gov/

* Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department victim Services: https://cmpd.org/victim-services/

* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Related Search Terms & Keywords

* Violent crime statistics

* Gun violence prevention

* Criminal justice reform

* Community policing

* Victim advocacy

* Charlotte crime rate

* House Judiciary Committee hearings

* Federal crime legislation

* violence intervention programs

* Restorative justice initiatives