FBI Says Violent Crime Arrests Rose 67% Over 21 Months Under Trump Administration

The FBI says it has stepped up its pursuit of violent offenders and child predators during the past 21 months under the Trump administration, according to figures the agency released on Wednesday.

Over that period, the bureau arrested more than 47,000 violent criminals and gang members. The agency said that marks a 67% increase over the final 21 months of the Biden administration.

Arrests of child sex predators and human traffickers also grew, rising 13% to just over 6,000, the agency's data show.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited the results to cooperation with the Department of Justice and other law enforcement partners. "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 said.

Patel pointed to several other measures of progress. They include a 30% decline in the national murder rate and a 114% increase in arrests of violent crime suspects. He also cited the seizure of more than 4,600 kilograms of fentanyl, which the agency says is enough to kill more than 350 million Americans.

The bureau also reported progress on high-profile fugitives. Law enforcement apprehended 10 people from the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list, which is 2.5 times the number captured over the previous four years. Six fugitives were also caught from a newly created "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list within its first four months.

The figures come after a period in which the FBI drew heavy criticism from Republicans during the Biden administration. Critics alleged political bias and government overreach, and they questioned how the bureau handled high-profile investigations.

Patel said the agency faced one of the highest threat environments in American history when President Trump began his second term. "This FBI and law enforcement responded by delivering in the biggest way they ever have," he said. "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."