FBI Director Kash Patel, in a Fox News interview, labeled Memphis, Tennessee, as the “homicide capital of America per capita,” citing surprising data since taking office in February 2025. He announced plans to deploy an FBI task force to address the city’s crime issue, though details remain unclear.

Tennessee Senator Brent Taylor welcomed the attention to Memphis’ ongoing crime problem, emphasizing the need for action regardless of the city’s exact ranking. FBI data from 2023 reported 349 homicides in Memphis, but recent figures are unavailable.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young expressed support for federal collaboration, noting ongoing local efforts like the Fugitive Task Force that have disrupted gang activity. Taylor hopes the FBI field office, previously moved to Nashville, might return to Memphis. Mayor Young is unavailable for further comment until at least Wednesday.