America remains a country of dreams for the world, but in 2024 and 2025, these dreams have been overshadowed by crime. All across America, from the expensive malls of California to the crowded streets of New York, tourists are becoming easy prey for criminals. Heinous crimes like robbery, violent attacks and murder are scaring everyone. Attacks on tourists from New Zealand, Denmark and Israel are evidence of America’s rapidly growing fear of travel. During Trump’s presidency, many incidents of attacks on Indians have also come to light in America. In September, Indian-origin Chandramouli Nagamallaiah was murdered with an ax in front of his wife and son. This incident took place near Tennyson Golf Course in Texas, USA.
A story of major events
California: In July 2024, an incident in Newport Beach, California shocked everyone. Patricia Mackay, a New Zealand tourist, was murdered during a robbery at a mall. She was walking with her husband when three robbers attacked her and she died instantly in the shootout that followed. The incident highlights that although crime rates have declined somewhat in California, brutal robbery remains a serious concern in affluent neighborhoods. Additionally, tourists in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco often face incidents of mobile phone or bag snatching.
New York: In November 2024, a Danish tourist was suddenly attacked while walking on the street in Manhattan, New York. An unknown person stabbed him with a sharp weapon from ear to neck and immediately ran away. This incident happened near crowded and considered safe areas like Times Square and Central Park, causing fear among the people. New York may be a global city, but the sudden increase in violence here raises concerns about the safety of tourists.
Nevada: The name Las Vegas often brings to mind glitz and casinos, but in August 2025, an Israeli tourist was robbed and murdered. His body was found near the city’s tourist corridor. The incident once again highlights the dangers lurking on the streets along downtown Las Vegas, where robberies and assaults are on the rise at night.
Louisiana: In October 2025, a tragic accident occurred in the famous French Quarter area of New Orleans. Miguel Stemli, a rideshare driver, was killed when two men tried to rob his car. The driver was carrying a family of tourists at the time of the incident. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of the city, as the French Quarter is New Orleans’ most important tourist destination.
Not just robbery, but many dangers
According to Travel & Tour World, tourists in the United States face many threats, not just robbery.
Tennessee: Tourist dies due to drunk driving. American tourist Leroy Wienke was walking with his family in Nashville, Tennessee, when he was struck by a drunk driver on the sidewalk. Wienke died instantly. This incident showed that not only criminality but also reckless driving can be fatal for tourists.
Illinois: A female tourist shot in Chicago. In March 2025, a 46-year-old female tourist was shot outside a theater in Chicago. A teenager opened fire during a fight. Gun violence has long been a concern in Chicago and is now spreading into tourist areas as well.
Colorado: Flamethrower attack on Pearl Street. In June 2025, a man launched an attack with a flamethrower in the city of Boulder, Colorado, injuring eight people. This incident demonstrated that incidents involving politically or mentally unstable attackers have created new concerns for tourists.
Arkansas: A couple murdered while hiking In July 2025, a couple was murdered while hiking with their daughters in Devil’s Den Park, Arkansas. The incident occurred in a quiet and natural area previously considered safe for tourists. This incident raises the question: are tourists really safe even in rural and natural areas?
Growing travel concerns in the United States
Crime rates in many parts of the United States will increase rapidly in 2024 and 2025. States like Washington, D.C., Louisiana and Colorado reported more than 2,849 crimes per 100,000 people. Capital D.C. Car theft and youth crime are on the rise. These states, which have high crime rates and attract millions of tourists, are no longer living up to their security claims.
