FBI is set to prioritize Memphis in a national crime crackdown.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — FBI Director Kash Patel made waves Sunday when he declared Memphis the “homicide capital of America,” prompting a swift response and strong reactions across the city.
“I didn’t know this until my confirmation process, but Memphis, Tennessee, is the homicide capital of America. Per capita. Didn’t know that,” Patel said during a national news appearance. “We’re now addressing it. We are rolling out one of our task forces to the state of Tennessee.”
By Monday morning, that declaration was reverberating through Memphis.
“It’s good to hear,” said resident Jeremiah Macklin. “I feel like the police department does need some assistance.”
In April, the Memphis-Shelby County Crime Commission reported that major crimes — including murder, rape and robbery — were down nearly 9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Still, some residents said FBI involvement could signal meaningful change.
“With the FBI stepping in, maybe they’ll make some changes,” said Ashton Jones. “Hopefully, maybe it’ll make people more open to coming here.”
Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley said Monday he welcomes federal help — as long as the bureau follows through.
“If they keep their word, I’m all for it,” Smiley said. “But the laws that are being put forth just lead to a series of guns in our community, which ultimately leads to lives lost — and that’s what’s more troubling to me.”
Patel said he plans to reassign more than 1,000 agents from Washington, D.C., to cities across the country, with a specific emphasis on Memphis. A specific timeline for the deployment has not yet been announced.
Local reaction to the news has been largely supportive.
“We need to fix some of these major cities,” said Robert Brandon. “And Memphis would be a good start.”
