In Charlotte, North Carolina, the city’s rising violent crime rates have sparked a heated political debate, with Republican officials criticizing Mayor Vi Lyles for what they perceive as ineffective leadership amid increasing homicides.

“As the leader of a city, it’s crucial to present a strong image and foster a positive perception, whether or not it aligns with reality. In Charlotte’s case, the perception starkly contrasts with reality,” remarked Addul Ali, the GOP chairperson for North Carolina’s District 12, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, recent federal immigration raids in the Charlotte area, along with calls from legislators for National Guard intervention, have challenged the city’s narrative of public safety achievements.

Mayor Vi Lyles addressed the media following the tragic school shooting at UNC Charlotte on May 1, 2019. (Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network)

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s report for the third quarter, overall crime saw an 8% decrease from January to September compared to the previous year. Mayor Lyles cites these statistics as evidence that efforts in recruitment, competitive pay, and targeted law enforcement strategies are yielding positive results.

However, the messaging comes as Charlotte faces intensifying scrutiny over violent crime, with Republican lawmakers pointing to the sharp rise in homicides and aggravated assaults in the Queen City’s bustling downtown.

“It is almost weekly, daily at this point, that we’re hearing about homicides in Charlotte. We’ve averaged about 100 or so homicides annually on this mayor’s watch,” Ali said, sharing his recent attendance of multiple vigils for young children killed.

“I think the perception they’re trying to create is one thing, but the reality is something different. And obviously, there’s been an epidemic of underreporting of certain crimes to try to gin those statistics. And I think that’s something we’re dealing with potentially here in Charlotte as well.”

This image taken from video provided by Rheba Hamilton shows U.S. Border Patrol agents leaving a yard after approaching two men hanging lights in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, Nov 15, 2025. (Rheba Hamilton via AP)

The rise in violent crime has prompted Republican lawmakers to urge Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to deploy the National Guard. For now, the governor has resisted that call, and local officials have argued that public safety remains a local responsibility.

“Recently, the city faced eight homicides in seven days. The murder rate in uptown Charlotte is now 200% higher than it was a year ago,” a letter from a trio of Republican lawmakers said. “According to the Fraternal Order of Police, aggravated assaults involving knives or guns have risen from 86 in 2024 to 111 in 2025, and personal strong-arm robberies have increased from 26 to 31 in the same period.”

A memorial dedicated to Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte on Sept. 11, 2025. (Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Lyles was most recently re-elected in November, winning a fifth term in office. Her re-election came after her leadership was scrutinized for her response to Iryna Zarutska’s violent stabbing in August.

Ali acknowledged that, from a purely political standpoint, Lyles has shown skill in maintaining her seat. But Ali argued that her success reflects broader political dynamics rather than voter enthusiasm for her leadership.

“This is the intersection of national and local politics,” he said, noting that one-party dominance at the federal level often triggers a swing in the opposite direction locally. He suggested that Lyles “benefited from a lot of anti-Trump sentiment in the local election.”

Ali also pointed to low voter turnout, roughly 20 to 21% in recent municipal elections, as evidence that her re-election may not indicate strong local support.

“I don’t think that that is necessarily indicative of her doing a good job,” he said. “If we saw a 30 or 40% increase in people specifically voting for her, that would be something we could point to.”

He further noted that “there are city council people who got more votes than she did,” calling that “telling” about how residents view her performance.

The skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina. (Andrea Evangelo-Giamou/EyeEm via Getty Images)

Ultimately, Ali said he wasn’t surprised by Lyles’ victory.

“I’m not surprised when a Democrat wins in a Democrat city. I am not shocked to see that,” he said, adding that some voters are firmly loyal to their party. “There is a group of folks who will vote blue no matter who. There’s nothing you can say – no amount of death, no amount of economic uncertainty – nothing you could say, because Donald Trump’s the ‘evil yellow man,’ and we must vote skin color and party line.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Lyles’ office for comment.