"The public square and civic infrastructure are the front lines against this kind of attack", proclaimed then-President of the American Institute of Architects, Thomas Vonier. The decades since 9/11 and mass violence have pressured cities, in the United States and globally, to reconsider what "safety" means. Is it about barriers, bollards, surveillance? Or is it about trust, visibility, evidence, resilience? Several projects confront these questions at various scales to demonstrate how architecture and forensic thinking can collectively protect communities and civic life.
Lloyd Francis, a 21-year-old with extensive criminal history, was able to evade severe punishment due to the state's Raise the Age Law, having spent only two years incarcerated despite multiple serious charges including attempted murder.
The D.C. religious leaders acknowledged the seriousness of crime in the city but rejected what they called 'fear-based governance.' They argued that true public safety comes not from what they call 'political theater' or military presence, but through long-term collaboration among government, civic and private sectors.
The White House announced an increased presence of federal law enforcement in Washington DC for at least the next week to combat crime amid Donald Trump's suggestions to take over the city's governance.
Special Agent John Vecchio stated during a press conference, 'The message behind the campaign is simple: If you're buying a gun for someone who can't legally own one, you are committing a crime. You're helping potentially arm someone with dangerous intentions.' This emphasizes the seriousness of straw purchases and their implications on public safety.
Amini's attack on this vulnerable girl was predatory and calculated. He has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and this sentence prevents him from harming anyone else.
"The charity reckons half the people it served were saved from turning to crime, reflecting its essential role in addressing a chronic urban need."