On Tuesday, President Trump suggested that it’s only a matter of time before National Guard troops are sent to Chicago to help combat crime, referencing the eight fatalities and numerous injuries from shootings over Labor Day weekend.
Local leaders in Chicago have urged Trump to stay away, yet D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appears more open to the presence of federal law enforcement. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled recently on the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles back in June.
Trump’s statements on crime are prompting discussions about the extent of federal authority in major cities. Some elected officials argue that crime rates are decreasing, while they criticize Trump and federal entities for allegedly misrepresenting crime statistics.
Here’s a look at the cities with the highest murder rates per 100,000 residents.
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson leads the list of cities with high homicide rates, particularly among those in red states, mostly found in the South and Midwest. According to 2024 FBI data, the city has a murder rate of 77.8 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 8.2.
Local leaders reported a 50% drop in murders compared to the same timeframe last year. In response, Governor Tate Reeves deployed 200 police officers earlier this year to help with crime control.
Reeves criticized “radical Democratic politicians” running cities in the South, but after a local senator removed former Jackson mayor Chokwe Antal Lumumba, he noted that “crime rates are falling rapidly.” He expressed satisfaction with voter awareness in Jackson.
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin faced scrutiny over crime rates amidst his re-election campaign, while a competitor referenced “landemics” affecting the city. Current FBI data shows a homicide rate of 58.8 per 100,000, with a reported drop in murders.
However, overall crime has risen more than 7%. The previous year was the deadliest in 90 years for the city, but Woodfin commended local police efforts and community engagement for the drop in murders.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis had a homicide rate of 54.1 per 100,000 last year, but officials noted a significant decline in murders in the first quarter of this year, the lowest in two decades. The governor remarked that while crime cannot be legislated away, law enforcement needs adequate tools.
Mayor Tishaura Jones opposed a state control bill, criticizing it as undermining local governance. Meanwhile, the newly elected mayor emphasized a broader vision for the city’s future beyond immediate concerns.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis exhibited the highest violent crime rate among U.S. cities, with a murder rate of 40.6 per 100,000. Trump indicated plans to increase law enforcement in the area, which contrasts with claims from city officials about a reduction in murders.
They noted almost a 25% decline in homicides recently, and overall crime has fallen by 22% compared to the previous year.
Baltimore
Baltimore reported 34.8 murders per 100,000 people last year, bringing it under Trump’s scrutiny. Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott reacted to Trump’s comments, with Scott asserting that the criticism was biased against the Black-led city. As of July, the city noted a 22% decrease in murders.
Detroit
Detroit saw a murder rate of 31.2 per 100,000 last year, with the overall number of murders being the lowest since 1965. Mayor Mike Duggan is currently campaigning for the governorship, emphasizing effective policing strategies.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland recorded a murder rate of 30 per 100,000 last year, with a noticeable decrease in murders in early 2025 compared to the previous year’s figures. Mayor Justin Bibb highlighted a sharp decline in homicide rates since his administration began, attributing it to community-focused initiatives.
Louisville, Kentucky
In Louisville, the murder rate was reported at 21.7 per 100,000 in 2024, with reports of declining shootings this year. Mayor Craig Greenberg has set violence reduction targets and emphasized community organization and reform calls.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis’ murder rate stood at 20 per 100,000 in 2024, reflecting a significant decrease from previous years. Mayor Joe Hogsett is focusing on prevention programs to further enhance safety amidst state-level critiques.
Oakland, California
Oakland reported a murder rate of 18.6 per 100,000 residents last year, with leaders claiming a decrease in violent crime in 2025. Trump has suggested that Oakland might see increased federal law enforcement, which Mayor Barbara Lee is preparing for while also focusing on community violence prevention programs.
