OPINION

America's 5 most dangerous cities: Here's the common thread

This election will serve as a referendum on which party will ensure the safety and security of all Americans

The five most dangerous cities in America share a common thread: they are all governed by Democrats.

Topping the list is Bessemer, Alabama, a city of 27,000 residents, where the odds of becoming a victim of crime stand at a staggering 1 in 9, according to a brand new report by StudyFinds.

Once hailed as "The Marvel City" for its rapid growth, Bessemer now grapples with a brutal reality of heightened violence, property crimes, and motor vehicle thefts. Under the leadership of Mayor Kenneth "Ken" Gulley, the city has been confronted with a concerning statistic of 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Just a stone's throw away lies Birmingham, another city on the list, emphasizing a distressing trend within the region. More on Birmingham in a minute.

As the second most dangerous city, Memphis, Tennessee, paints a rather somber picture. With a crime rate soaring 237% above the national average, the city's neighborhoods, including Downtown and Parkway Village-Oakhaven, stand as veritable hotbeds for criminal activity. Under the leadership of Mayor Paul Young, Memphis' endeavors to combat crime have been largely ineffective.

St. Louis, Missouri, earns its place on the list with a one in 50 chance of falling victim to crime, accentuated by high poverty rates and unemployment. Mayor Tishaura Jones' inability to grapple with the city's entrenched issues is costing lives.

Detroit, Michigan, with its iconic status as the Motor City, faces its own set of challenges. Urban decay has fostered an environment ripe for a whole host of illicit activities. Although efforts to revitalize the city are underway, the ominous shadow of crime looms large on Mayor Mike Duggan's watch.

Rounding out the top five is the aforementioned Birmingham, Alabama, where despite concerted efforts by local authorities, crime remains alarmingly high. Mayor Randall Woodfin presides over a city grappling with a violent crime index that defies norms, as underscored by the StudyFinds report.

The sobering reality of these revelations casts a stark light on the issue of crime in America's urban landscape, with Democratic-run cities at the forefront.