Senators press agency leadership for additional assistance to reduce violent crime, especially homicides 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (Both D-Md.) Monday continued their work to identify additional federal resources to confront violent crime and enhance public safety in Baltimore City. In a virtual meeting with key Department of Justice leaders, the senators urged Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and other senior DOJ personnel to heighten the level of agency assistance provided to the Baltimore metro area and increase the number of federal agents and U.S. Marshals assigned to the city. Additionally, they pressed for additional prosecutors, data analysts and other crime reduction specialists focused specifically on the region. The senators also continued to push for an expansion of community violence intervention grants and other tools to protect those who witness criminal activity and provide legal testimony.

“As we continue working to ensure that the necessary federal resources are available to address the ongoing public safety emergency in Baltimore, we deeply appreciate the steps taken by Department of Justice officials to stay engaged in this effort to save lives and protect our communities,” the senators said. “We share a commitment to this urgent mission and will continue working together to stem the deadly violence and ensure that all possible resources are directed toward elevating public safety in our great city.”

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