Crime Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Gang Violence

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, “Gangs in Our Communities: Drugs, Human Trafficking, and Violence.” According to a 2011 FBI gang assessment report, roughly 33,000 violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs with about 1.4 million members are criminally active in the United States and Puerto Rico today. Gangs are expanding, evolving, and posing an increasing threat to communities nationwide. Many gangs are sophisticated criminal networks with members who are violent, distribute wholesale quantities of drugs, and develop and maintain close working relationships with members and associates of transnational criminal and drug trafficking organizations. They have also moved into making money through sex trafficking, preying on young women and girls by recruiting and forcing them into prostitution. Additionally, in many cities violent crime is on the rise. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which collected data from 61 metropolitan police agencies, there were over 6,400 homicides in cities in 2016, which is an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Witnesses for the hearing are:

• Mr. Kenneth Blanco, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice
• Mr. Marc Vanek, Board Advisory Member, Midwest Gang Investigators Association, Illinois Chapter
• Captain Chris Marks, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
• Dr. Gary Slutkin, Founder, Cure Violence

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) issued the statements below in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “Gangs and their criminal activity wreak havoc on communities nationwide. They commit violent crimes and engage in drug and human trafficking. Additionally, gangs have become increasingly adaptable and organized, exploiting new technology as a means to recruit, communicate discretely, target their rivals, and perpetuate their criminal activity. This week’s Crime Subcommittee hearing will examine the effect of gang activity on communities and look for solutions to combat this growing problem.” Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner: “Gang activity escalates many of the most pressing problems facing our country, such as drug addiction and violence. In order to secure safer, healthier communities nationwide we must learn more about the underlying factors contributing to our most significant issues. This week’s hearing will provide valuable insight into the problem of gangs in our communities and help lawmakers determine what can and must be done to efficiently and effectively address these serious problems.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.