Mayor Michelle Wu has long touted Boston as a relatively safe city, but this assertion comes under scrutiny following a weekend marked by deadly incidents. [1] and [2] both report that after a series of violent crimes in downtown areas, there are renewed debates over the city’s safety status. Erin Murphy, a resident quoted in [1], expresses skepticism about Boston's claim to be one of the safest major cities, stating she does not feel safe amid recent events.

In contrast, [3] highlights Mayor Wu’s defense of Boston’s safety record, noting that she maintains downtown remains secure despite violent crime. This stance contrasts with residents like Murphy who are questioning whether the city can still be considered as safe as it once was.

The debate over Boston's safety status is not new; similar discussions have occurred in the past amid concerns about rising crime rates and public perceptions of security. [1] and [2] both mention that this issue has been a recurring topic, reflecting ongoing tensions between official claims and residents' experiences with crime.