Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt announced on August 20, 2025, that the FBI has made a significant personnel investment aimed at combating crime in St. Louis. According to Schmitt, he collaborated with FBI Director Kash Patel throughout the year to secure this initiative.

In his initial post, Schmitt stated, "The FBI just made a historic, largest-of-its-kind personnel investment to combat crime in St. Louis. I worked with @FBIDirectorKash all year to secure this investment. It will put criminals in jail, deport illegals, and get drugs off the street. Let's break it down." (August 20, 2025).

He further emphasized the lasting nature of the commitment by noting, "This isn't some temporary fix, it's a PERMANENT investment from the Trump Administration. Staffing levels at the FBI in St. Louis will hit their highest point in years. More agents on the ground means more investigations, more arrests, and safer streets for Missouri families." (August 20, 2025).

Schmitt also credited Director Patel's leadership for implementing these changes swiftly: "Director Patel came in with a vision—get agents out of the Hoover Building and invest in fighting actual crime while being transparent about the operations of the FBI. Huge thanks to him for making this happen so quickly and effectively." (August 20, 2025).

St. Louis has faced persistent challenges related to violent crime rates over recent years. Efforts to increase federal law enforcement presence have often been part of broader strategies to address public safety concerns in urban areas.

The Trump Administration's approach has focused on expanding law enforcement resources and enhancing cooperation between federal agencies and local authorities.