Columbus responds to Vance’s comment about ‘lawlessness’ in the city

COLUMBUS, Ohio — During his recent stop in Canton, Vice President and Ohio native JD Vance named Columbus as one city where people may not feel safe to go downtown.

“How many of you all have wanted to go to downtown Akron or downtown Canton or downtown Columbus for a meal, but you’re worried because the local authorities in these big cities have allowed lawlessness to run wild? We have got to make great American cities safe again for families and children,” Vance told the crowd.

Mayor Andrew Ginther’s Deputy Chief of Staff Jennifer Fening responded to the vice president’s comment in a statement.

“Columbus is experiencing a more than 12-year low in homicides and felonious assault, thanks to Mayor Ginther’s investments in public safety and downtown development, along with the remarkable policework and community partnerships forged by Chief Elaine Bryant and the team at the Columbus Division of Police,” Fening said.

The city has spent tens of millions of dollars since 2021 in an effort to end youth violence. 10TV asked Mayor Ginther earlier this month if the money is making a difference. 

“Just take a look at the numbers,” Ginther said. “This is the lowest number of homicides and non-fatal shootings we’ve had in 13 years.”

Violent crime and homicides in Columbus are way down in 2025. Felony assault cases are nearly half of what they were two years ago. There were 890 in 2023 compared to 454 this year.

The city is also seeing its lowest number of homicides on record going back to 2013 at 45. Ninety-six homicides were committed in 2023.

10TV talked with several people on the streets of Columbus on Wednesday afternoon to ask if they feel safe when downtown for work, dinner or a night out.

“I have never had an issue personally,” said Angela Allen who works downtown.

Xaniya Taylor and Blake Moore work at Gallerie by CFA clothing store on High Street during the day and enjoy the restaurants and nightlife of the Short North after work.

“I’ve been spending time out here since I was a teenager, since I was a young man. I’ve never felt unsafe just walking down the street,” Moore said.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s really beautiful, too,” Taylor said. “There’s a lot of art and stuff around here. There’s a lot of stuff to do, too.”

Mark Magno was visiting from New Jersey.

“I feel super safe, and honestly, I never felt any sort of sketchiness or anything,” Magno said. “Everyone’s been welcoming.”

Violent incidents have happened. After a shooting in the Short North injured 10 people in June of 2024, the city added security measures in the area, including putting more officers on patrol in uniform and in plain clothes. 

Taylor acknowledges there have been incidents but feels safe partly because of the police presence.

“It’s a good area to come get a meal, hang out with friends. It’s not anything too serious, and there are cops around here on a regular basis,” Taylor said.

“I do see a lot of police out,” Moore said. “I’d say their presence is pretty strong, especially in the Short North.”