FBI Claims 67 Percent Rise in Violent-Crime Arrests in Trump's 21 Months

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it has arrested more than 47,000 violent criminals and gang members over the past 21 months of President Donald Trump's administration. By the agency's count, the figure is 67 percent higher than in the final 21 months of the Biden administration. The agency released the figures on Wednesday.

Over the same period, arrests of child sex predators and human traffickers also rose by 13 percent, reaching just over 6,000, the agency's figures show.

FBI Director Kash Patel said: 'Over the last 21 months under the Trump administration's leadership and working alongside our Department of Justice and law enforcement partners, this FBI has delivered the largest reduction in violent crime in United States history.'

Patel highlighted several key metrics. According to the figures he presented, the national murder rate has dropped by 30 percent, arrests of violent crime suspects have risen by 114 percent, and more than 4,600 kilograms of fentanyl have been seized — an amount the agency says is capable of killing more than 350 million Americans.

In addition, law enforcement apprehended 10 of the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives, two and a half times the number captured over the previous four years. Six fugitives from a newly created 'Most Wanted Fraudsters' list were also caught within its first four months.

Appearing on the television programme 'Hannity', Patel discussed Operation Summer Heat 2.0 and highlighted statistics from the initiative. He said Trump's focus on combating violent crime has shifted the FBI's emphasis towards field operations, which contributed to the bureau's efforts.

During the Biden administration, the FBI faced intense criticism from Republicans over allegations of political bias, government overreach and its handling of high-profile investigations. Addressing that shift, Patel said his agency faced one of the highest threat environments in American history when Trump began his second term.

Patel said: 'This FBI and law enforcement responded by delivering in the biggest way they ever have. This is what happens with a President who backs the blue, an Attorney General who relentlessly prosecutes criminals, and good cops all over the country getting the job done.'