New FBI stats rank Saginaw third most violent city in US

Recent numbers from the FBI regarding violent crime show Saginaw as the most violent city in Michigan, and ranked third in the nation overall.

These numbers are collected through crimes reported by local law enforcement, with Saginaw reporting 2.2 violent crimes for every 100 people in the city. This totaled to 944 crimes in 2024. The city has seen more than 10 homicides so far for 2025.

In August, Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore released a statement on the rising violence across the city.

"We must all continue to focus on minimizing the violence and crime in our city," Moore said. "We must continue to partner with law enforcement and local non-profits to strengthen our efforts. I believe as we work together, we can turn the tide on this senseless violence and make our city safer for all."

To cut down on violent crime nationally the Trump Administration has recently sent National Guard members to major cities across the country, including Washington D.C., Portland, and most recently Chicago. During his visit to Livingston County in September, Vice President J.D. Vance announced they would be "happy to send the National Guard to Detroit. All [Governor Whitmer has] to do is ask." Whitmer eventually declined the offer.

Earlier this month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said "it's only a matter of time" before the President sends troops to Michigan. She then said protestors should continue, but legally and without violence so the administration doesn't have an excuse to send troops to the state.

HELP Saginaw is looking to help victims and prevent violence in the Saginaw region before it begins, by providing education and intervention to the community.

Kareem Bowen is the organization's president. He said they approach gun violence as a public health issue, meaning every facet of the community has a role to play in stopping the problem.

"But how do we deal with those issues, recognize those relationships that may be toxic, or be creating an environment where violence is perpetuated? We target those issues, those individuals, through processes such as mentorship we provide them with critical thinking skills," Bowen said.

Bowen also discussed an upcoming education program where HELP will work with the Michigan Drone Pilot Academy to give 150 students a full day of STEM engagement to teach app development and drone technology.

"From there, we're taking the 20 top performers in that engagement and we're going to teach them all of the ins and outs of drone technology. We're paying for them to become licensed drone operators," Bowen said. "We have a partnership with our county sheriff's department. And we're using drone technology just to do surveillance in our communities and in our neighborhoods."

The Saginaw Police Department did not respond to a request for comment.