The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has announced a significant decline in violent crime across the state in 2024, attributing this reduction to a multi-jurisdictional collaborative effort. Since 2021, homicides statewide have decreased by 32 percent, with Baltimore City experiencing a 41-percent reduction during the same period. In 2024, Baltimore recorded 201 homicides.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron highlighted the role of strategic collaboration among federal, state, city law enforcement, and community partners in driving this positive trend. "I’m very proud of the leadership that this office’s public servants have shown in coordinating law enforcement and community efforts throughout Maryland and beyond to protect our nation and promote safer communities," said Barron. He emphasized the office's commitment to supporting various law enforcement agencies and community-based partners.
These initiatives are part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. Recent data indicates that such collaborations have significantly contributed to reducing violence, with Baltimore City recording its lowest homicide total since 2011.
As part of these efforts, a state-funded team comprising special federal prosecutors and legal professionals was assembled to handle firearm offenses. This enabled a record number of gun cases to be adopted from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office in 2023.
Furthermore, repeat violent offenders have been strategically investigated and prosecuted at the federal level. Notable successes include dismantling an international Chinese money laundering and drug trafficking organization following investigations into one of its leaders involved in shootings in Baltimore City.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also leveraged its multi-agency task force to prosecute violent criminal organizations federally while aiding local partners with impactful prosecutions. For instance, Operation Tornado Alley led to charges against 40 individuals for drug trafficking and firearm offenses—the largest takedown in decades.
These strategic collaborations have also reduced unnecessary incarceration costs, leading to a 40-percent decline in federal pre-trial detention rates since 2018. The office supports initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to successful reentry for former offenders and collaborates with community-based outreach programs targeting youth.
For more information on resources available from the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit justice.gov/usao-md or their community outreach page.