Memphis mayor responds to FBI director calling city ‘homicide capital of USA'
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Paul Young released a statement Monday, a day after the FBI director called the city the 'homicide capital of the USA.'
During an appearance on a Sunday morning show, the Director of the FBI called Memphis the 'Homicide Capital of America.'
'We look forward to learning more from our federal law enforcement partners. Locally, we're already seeing results,' said Young.
FBI Director calls Memphis 'homicide capital of the USA'
The city's Data Hub reports 90 murders and homicides in Memphis this year as of May 19.
Memphis Murder Map 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the rate on Fox News this weekend, saying the FBI is sending a task force to 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, we have a problem there,' Patel said. 'We're now addressing it. We're rolling out one of our task forces to Tennessee.'
Full Statement from Mayor Paul Young:
MPD has always collaborated with federal agencies on addressing violent crime, and we're encouraged by any effort that brings more resources to Memphis. We look forward to learning more from our federal law enforcement partners. Locally, we're already seeing results.
Through our recent Fugitive Task Force and other strategic operations, we've taken fugitives off the streets and disrupted gang activity across the city. With stronger collaboration and steady local leadership, we'll keep pushing forward to make every Memphis neighborhood safer.
Senator Brent Taylor responded to Patel's claims on social media and said that he's happy to see Patel and the FBI take Memphis' crime surge seriously.
'With unwavering resolve, I'm fighting to #MakeMemphisMatter, showcasing our city's potential to my Senate colleagues,' said Taylor. 'With the Trump Administration's support, we're poised to tackle crime head-on, proving Memphis is a vibrant community worthy of investment and a brighter future.'
This comes nearly a month after Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis called youth gun violence a catastrophic situation. At the time, the police department had responded to 28 homicides in 25 days.
'Last week, I had a meeting with the governor's office and talking about some initiatives that I think will help add ranks to the Memphis Police Department, and also in terms of perhaps a Crown consultant for, the state of Tennessee that would, make recommendations back to the state about what policies, laws that need to be changed and make those recommendations to us,' stated Taylor.
Sen. Taylor said it's possible the FBI will reopen a field office in Memphis that moved to Nashville last year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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