U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) hosted FBI Director Kash Patel and Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey at the St. Louis FBI Field Office for an update on local operations. The visit highlighted a recent increase in federal resources aimed at addressing violent crime in the St. Louis area.
Senator Schmitt worked with the FBI and the Trump administration to secure what he described as one of the largest per-capita increases of full-time agents and intelligence personnel for St. Louis, raising staffing levels to their highest point in years. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address violent crime nationwide.
During a press conference following the briefing, Senator Schmitt stated, “I am grateful to Director Patel and the Trump Administration for their strong partnership and commitment to combatting violent crime in St. Louis. The historic investment we announced this summer is putting agents out into the field, strengthening our crime-fighting capabilities, and making sure that our communities are safe. I appreciate Director Patel for closely engaging with me from the moment I requested additional FBI resources and look forward to continuing working together to restore law and order in St. Louis and across the country.”
Director Patel commented on ongoing efforts: “The FBI’s mission to crush violent crime and defend the homeland has always been our priority, and we have taken this fight across America and achieved historic success under President Trump. We are thrilled to continue our already successful efforts in Missouri with Senator Schmitt, Senator Hawley, and our great state and local partners helping us accomplish the mission.”
Recent data from fiscal year 2025 shows that FBI St. Louis made 545 arrests as part of its Violent Crime program—a 71% increase over fiscal year 2024—and confiscated 208 firearms, up 23% from last year’s total. As part of Operation Summer Heat, agents seized various illegal drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, ecstasy, among others.
In August 2025, Senator Schmitt announced securing this significant investment for St. Louis public safety initiatives; prior to his Senate term he served as Missouri’s Attorney General leading similar efforts statewide.
