Operation Viper Results in Over 500 Arrests
Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) announced that recent state and federal operations have resulted in the arrest of more than 500 individuals, which he believes can serve as a model for addressing crime nationwide.
In an interview with Breitbart News, Hagerty mentioned that Operation Viper wrapped up recently. He started discussions with Mayor Young back in November 2024 about ways to tackle crime effectively.
This initiative utilized various state and federal resources to support Mayor Young in Memphis, the second largest city in Tennessee. Future steps may involve the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and potentially the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Hagerty reported impressive outcomes from the operation, stating, “We’re north of 500 arrests. We’re north of 100 federal charges, and those indictments grow as we build the cases.”
He added, “The governor is enhancing the state’s resources, and the mayor’s police department is committed to this crackdown.” Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions, noting that Memphis is lacking in police personnel.
Having initiated efforts to combat crime last November, Hagerty is collaborating with federal, state, and local officials to help reduce criminal activity in Memphis.
“I think we can absolutely demonstrate this model,” he remarked. “This could show us that if we set partisanship aside, we can achieve the outcomes everyone desires.”
Looking ahead, Hagerty expressed hope, stating, “If we can harness these benefits, we’ll gain access to a comprehensive range of resources, allowing us to sustain efforts in the long term.”
He’s also exploring potential federal legislative solutions with the mayor aimed at further reducing crime nationwide. Commenting on the tragic loss of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, he referred to this moment as a chance for optimism: “In the wake of tragedy, such as 9/11 and Charlie’s passing, I hope this can be seen as a bright light. We can work towards making Memphis one of the safest cities in America.”
Hagerty expressed gratitude for the support from the governor, acknowledging that resources have been made available to address these issues. The collaboration with the city is progressing, with a focus on leveraging available resources for future success.
