Memphis Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video addressing the impact of releasing violent criminals without bail on public safety in cities across the country.

Blackburn emphasized that cash bail is an essential tool for keeping violent offenders off the streets and maintaining law and order. She cited a recent incident in Memphis where a suspect accused of shooting four people was released from police custody by Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson without bond. Additionally, at the end of last year, Judge Anderson signed off on the release of a man charged with first-degree murder of 15-year-old Anthony Mason.

"Allowing dangerous criminals back on the streets and in our communities after they have committed a crime defies common sense. We must put an end to soft-on-crime practices like cashless bail that incentivize violent criminals to reoffend and put public safety at risk," said Senator Blackburn.

In May, the Shelby County Crime Commission in Memphis reported that the murder rate increased by 50% in 2023 compared with 2022. Earlier this year, Senator Blackburn introduced the Restoring Law and Order Act with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) to increase resources for law enforcement and help reduce violent crime. Blackburn also introduced the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) to deter policies that prohibit bail and reward criminal acts.