In a recent interview ‘ Griff Jenkins on ‘Varney & Co.’, Bo Blair, a restaurateur, shared his concerns about the impact of the surge in crime on his business.
Business owners in Democratic-run cities are facing a daunting challenge as violence and crime rates continue to rise. One particular restaurateur in the District of Columbia has found themselves in a dire situation, having to come up with their own solutions to protect their business. This endeavor has cost them a staggering amount of money, amounting to over half a million dollars per year directly from their own pocket.
According to Bo Blair, the owner of the Surfside Taco Stand and other establishments in Washington, he is currently investing $4,000 per week on private security due to the escalation of carjackings, muggings, and other criminal activities in the District.
Blair stood outside his Dupont Circle taquería and expressed his concerns about the sustainability of the situation. In a conversation with correspondent Griff Jenkins on Thursday, he stated, “It’s not sustainable.”
“We hope to overcome this crime crisis, eliminating the need for such measures in the future,” he expressed. He further disclosed that the collective expenditure on security across all locations for this year exceeded $450,000.
In a significant operation led by law enforcement authorities, a Chinese national was apprehended with a substantial amount of gift cards. The exterior of Surfside Taco Stand in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. (Screenshot / Google Maps)
According to Jenkins, Blair is the owner of ten other restaurants in Washington. However, unlike some restaurants that were able to shift security costs to customers when inflation first became an issue, it hasn’t been as simple for Blair.
According to Jenkins, some of Blair’s restaurants are spending more on security than they are on rent. In this situation, the business owner is making an effort to ensure that the cost does not fall on their customers.
Since its current government was organized under Home Rule in 1975, the District of Columbia has not seen a Republican mayor elected. The most recent Republican leader in Washington was Robert McLaughlin, the former President of the Board of Commissioners, who concluded his term in 1961.
NJ Democrat-turned-Republican Contemplates Challenging Scandal-Plagued Menendez
A former Democrat from New Jersey, who has now switched parties and become a Republican, is considering the possibility of challenging the scandal-ridden Senator Robert Menendez. This potential candidate, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have strong support from within the Republican Party. The decision to challenge Menendez is seen as a bold move, considering the senator’s reputation and his long-standing position in New Jersey politics.
The scandal surrounding Menendez involves a federal corruption trial that ended in a mistrial. Despite this, the senator’s reputation has been tarnished, and many believe that this could make him vulnerable in the upcoming election. The potential Republican candidate is aware of the challenges ahead but is determined to offer a viable alternative to the voters of New Jersey.
The Republican Party sees this as an opportunity to gain a Senate seat in a traditionally blue state. With the right candidate and a well-executed campaign, they believe they can capitalize on the public’s dissatisfaction with Menendez and his alleged ethical lapses. This potential challenger is seen as a fresh face, someone who can bring a new perspective and integrity to the position.
While the decision to challenge Menendez is not finalized, the possibility of a competitive race has already generated interest and excitement within the political landscape of New Jersey. The upcoming months will be crucial, as the potential candidate weighs the pros and cons of taking on a seasoned politician like Menendez. Regardless of the outcome, this development highlights the dynamic nature of politics and the potential for unexpected turns in the pursuit of public office.
D.C. has experienced a staggering 254 homicides and 928 carjackings in the current year. (Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Carjackings in Washington have seen a significant surge over the past year, with the latest figure for 2023 standing at 928, more than double the previous year’s statistics. Additionally, the District has witnessed a nearly one-third increase in homicides, recording 254 cases this year.
In October, there was a notable incident where Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, was violently carjacked in the Navy Yard neighborhood of the District. This incident took place near a building that is home to multiple congressional lawmakers.
Cuellar expressed to FOX News that he considers Washington to be “more dangerous” than certain areas of the Mexican border in his district, which is based in Laredo.
After the Congressional Baseball Game this year, a staff member of Representative Brad Finstad was unfortunately subjected to a terrifying incident of assault and armed robbery. The distressing event took place only a few blocks away from the Capitol. In the aftermath, the Minnesota Republican expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their swift and dedicated response.
According to Jenkins, Blair revealed during his interview with FOX Business on Thursday that an Amazon truck had been carjacked near his office in the usually safer Tenleytown neighborhood.
Charles Payne, the host of ‘Making Money,’ and Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the prevailing crime epidemic in the nation.
Jenkins expressed his astonishment at the impact that it is having on businesses. In an interview with FBN host Stuart Varney, he stated, “[It’s] unbelievable what it’s doing and impacting business.” Congress made a significant decision to reject an initiative proposed by the District of Columbia Council. The initiative aimed to reduce the severity of criminal penalties for offenses such as larceny and carjacking.
In March, the Senate, which has formal oversight powers over D.C., passed a resolution led by the Republican minority. This resolution blocked the council’s amendments to its criminal code, which has remained largely unchanged since 1901.
President Biden ultimately signed the measure.
Also Read:
- Individual Accused of Committing Hate Crimes in Attack on Israeli Tourist in Times Square
- Man from Newark Admits Guilt in Several Violent Crimes, Including Shootings and Drug Trafficking
- DC council members question ‘catch and release’ as juvenile crime causes chaos across DC
