Press Releases

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) joined a letter cosigned by 15 colleagues today to Attorney General Merrick Garland, raising concerns about the recent rise in retail crime. The Representatives are demanding the Department of Justice to develop and implement a national strategy to combat organized crime exploding in American cities.

Cosigners of the letter are Reps. Ken Buck (CO-04), Steve Chabot (OH-01), Ted Budd (NC-13), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Greg Steube (FL-17), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Young Kim (CA-39), William Timmons (SC-04), Burgess Owens, (UT-04), John Katko (NY-24), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Peter Meijer (MI-03), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01).

“The sharp increase in organized retail crime across our country in recent months puts state and local law enforcement authorities at risk of becoming overwhelmed. We urge the Department of Justice to take action at the federal level to address this shocking rise in retail crime,” said Rep. Johnson.

“One of the essential functions of our government is to provide security to all citizens. Yet despite the continued increase in retail crime, the DOJ has turned a blind eye and refused to act. I urge Attorney General Garland to develop a strategy to reduce retail crime, maintain the rule of law, and protect our civil liberties,” said Rep. Buck.

“Actions have consequences, and the organized retail crime wave sweeping our nation is a direct result of the Democrats’ soft-on-crime polices,” said Rep. Tiffany. “Small businesses and local law enforcement are doing all they can to stop and locate these organized smash-and-grab syndicates, which often operate across state lines – but they can’t do it alone. It’s time for President Biden to stop coddling criminals and start punishing them.” 

“As crime surges across our country, it is time for the federal government to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat these retail crimes and support the law enforcement officers who do their best to keep our communities safe every day,” said Rep. Budd.

“Organized retail crime is surging across the country, posing a serious threat to public safety,” said Rep. Katko. “I was proud to join Rep. Buck in urging Attorney General Garland to address this problem. We cannot be apologists for criminals. Attorney General Garland must adopt a comprehensive national strategy to halt the unbridled growth of organized retail crime.”

“New York has been hit especially hard by the rise of smash and grab robberies,” said Rep. Garbarino. “Not only does this outbreak of organized retail crime cost businesses through lost inventory and property damage, but it also endangers retail employees, law enforcement officers, and the public at large. It’s time Attorney General Garland take this epidemic, and its impact on everyday Americans, seriously and form a concerted national strategy to address it.”

“Cities all across the United States are experiencing a disturbing increase in violent crime and theft since the defund the police agenda began to emerge in the summer of 2020. For example, in recent months, we’ve heard countless reports of mob violence and looting taking place at department stores and from shipping containers, only for those same stolen items to later show up on online platforms such as Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. The left’s relentless campaign to defund the police, to decline to prosecute criminal activity, and to eliminate cash bail have emboldened criminals to commit more crimes, without fear of any repercussions.  That makes it even more imperative that the Justice Department take action now to address the alarming rise in retail crime,” said Rep. Chabot.

“The worrisome uptick in retail crimes threatens businesses across the country and creates dangerous work environments for both employees and customers. With crime continuing to rise in cities big and small, the Justice Department must make it clear to criminals that they are serious about combatting crime,” said Rep. Meijer.

“Retail theft hurts our small business owners as they continue to adapt to keep their business open and endangers the public safety of communities across the United States. I hear every day from entrepreneurs in Southern California concerned about rising crime,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I join Rep. Buck in urging Attorney General Garland to address this urgent crisis and create a national strategy to stop retail theft so we can keep communities safe. I’ll keep working as Ranking Member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development to support small business owners and job creators pursuing their American dream.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.

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