Attorney General Merrick B. Garland visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island on October 2, 2024, to deliver remarks and meet with local law enforcement officials. He expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining safety and highlighted the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.
Garland acknowledged the significant role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in representing the Justice Department in Rhode Island. "This office is the face of the Justice Department in Rhode Island," he said. He praised their work and emphasized its impact on protecting residents.
The Attorney General noted that three-and-a-half years ago, the Justice Department initiated a strategy to combat violent crime, which increased during the pandemic. This strategy focused on collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and utilizing new technological tools to identify key perpetrators of violent crime.
Recent FBI statistics indicate a historic drop in homicides last year and one of the lowest levels of violent crime in 50 years. Garland mentioned that this trend continues into 2024, with a further decline in violent crime by 10% and murders by 22%.
Despite these improvements, Garland stressed that progress remains uneven across communities and reiterated that no level of violent crime is acceptable. The Justice Department will continue working with partners in Rhode Island to address issues such as drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
He cited several recent initiatives by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including a partnership with ATF and local cities to prosecute domestic abusers for gun crimes, securing sentences against individuals conspiring to attack America’s power grid, dismantling a major drug trafficking organization, charging individuals involved in murder-for-hire plots against federal prosecutors and witnesses, sentencing leaders of fentanyl trafficking conspiracies, and prosecuting arson cases targeting places of worship.
Garland also highlighted over $23 million awarded this year by the Department to support law enforcement efforts in Rhode Island through grants aimed at hiring officers, combating violent crime and drug trafficking, and improving services for survivors of various crimes.
In addition to criminal justice efforts, Garland discussed civil rights protections enforced by his office. This includes monitoring compliance with federal voting rights laws during elections in Pawtucket following a consent decree ensuring Spanish-speaking voters receive necessary election assistance.
"The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy," Garland stated emphatically while committing ongoing support from his department to protect voting rights nationwide.
Garland concluded his remarks by commending public servants at the U.S. Attorney's Office for their dedication to upholding law enforcement standards and fostering crucial partnerships within their community.
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