Data released Monday revealed London's homicide rate reached its lowest level since records began in 1997, contradicting claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding the city's safety. The 97 homicides recorded in London in 2025 translate to a rate of 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people, according to the data.

Trump has repeatedly characterized London as dangerous. In November, he claimed that certain areas of the city were unsafe due to stabbings. In September, he told reporters that crime in London was "through the roof." These statements have fueled negative sentiment towards the city on social media, particularly from right-leaning populist groups.

London officials emphasized that the city's homicide rate is lower than that of many major U.S. cities. According to FBI data, New York City reported a homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 in 2025, Los Angeles had a rate of almost 6, and Chicago's rate was even higher. The homicide rate in London is also lower than in Berlin, Paris, and Toronto, according to the most recent figures.

The discrepancy between Trump's statements and the data highlights the potential for misinformation, particularly when amplified through social media. AI-driven tools are increasingly being used to analyze and detect such discrepancies. These tools employ natural language processing (NLP) to assess the sentiment and factual accuracy of statements made by public figures. Advanced AI models can cross-reference claims with available data sources, such as government statistics and academic research, to identify potential falsehoods or exaggerations.

The use of AI in journalism is evolving rapidly. AI algorithms can now assist in fact-checking, generating initial drafts of articles, and identifying trends in large datasets. However, experts caution against relying solely on AI, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and critical thinking. The Associated Press, for example, uses AI to automate some reporting tasks, but human journalists remain responsible for verifying information and ensuring accuracy.

The debate surrounding London's safety underscores the challenges of interpreting and communicating complex data. While the homicide rate provides one measure of safety, other factors, such as rates of theft and assault, also contribute to the overall perception of security. Furthermore, crime statistics can be influenced by a variety of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, policing strategies, and reporting practices.