Photo by voteprime.

As of late last week, there have been at least 82 homicides in the District this year. So far, that’s a 21-percent increase from 2014 (and after a rash of homicides this weekend, that number is even higher). But those high numbers aren’t just limited to homicides; D.C. has seen an increase in violent crime so far this year.

And it’s not just in D.C.; cities across the country have noted an increase in violent crime—particularly homicides. This evening, the Major Cities Chiefs Association has organized National Summit to discuss the problem, with Chiefs of Police from major cities across the country set to attend.

“In a conversation about what was going on in their cities, it was remarkable to me how many of them were seeing the same thing; some with very striking similarities,” MPD Chief Cathy Lanier said in a statement. “The goal of the Summit is to identify potential gaps and propose solutions that will help us stop this escalating violence. We have come too far to lose traction now.”

The purpose of tonight’s summit is for city law enforcement leaders to identify commonalities leading to the recent rise in violent crime and to discuss potential strategies and solutions. Among the big contributing factors? Synthetic drugs.

This evening’s summit will take place at 4 p.m. at the Newseum.