San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained during an attempted robbery in Union Square, bringing attention to the city's ongoing struggles with violent crime and homelessness. Mayor London Breed's record on crime faces scrutiny as she seeks re-election in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall, selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, is recovering from a bullet wound following an attempted robbery in Union Square on Saturday. The incident has raised concerns over the city's violent crime levels amid ongoing struggles with homelessness.
49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Shot in Attempted Robbery, Raising Concerns Over San Francisco Crime
San Francisco has one of the highest per capita concentrations of homelessness in the nation. The city has also dealt with a severe drug crisis, recently holding a candlelight vigil to commemorate over 1,100 overdose deaths since January 2023.
Mayor London Breed acknowledged that the Pearsall shooting may impact her record on crime as she seeks re-election in 2024. "This incident sets us back from all the hard work that we've done to make significant changes in public safety," Breed said.
49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Shot in Attempted Robbery, Raising Concerns Over San Francisco Crime
Breed's record on crime has been criticized, including her decision to slash police and sheriff's department budgets. The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff's Association has condemned the cuts, claiming they negatively impact public safety.
Last October, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott stated that Breed had not approved an increase in the police department's recruiting funds. The city has been using the same recruitment budget since 2007.
49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Shot in Attempted Robbery, Raising Concerns Over San Francisco Crime
Prior to becoming mayor in 2018, Breed served as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her main opponent in the upcoming mayoral election is fellow Democrat Mark Farrell, who has campaigned on public safety.
Farrell has criticized Breed's performance, saying, "Enough is enough. If we want public safety in San Francisco, then we need change in City Hall."
Pearsall, 23, was released from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center on Sunday. He returned to the team facility on Monday, but was placed on the non-football injury list.
The 17-year-old suspect in the shooting was arrested after being shot in the arm. He is a resident of Tracy, about 60 miles east of San Francisco. Charges have not yet been filed, and it is unknown whether the case will be moved from juvenile to adult court.
San Francisco Police Department data showed a decrease in crime in the first half of 2024, but it remains to be seen if this trend will continue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
