LIVE: U.S. Attorney General, Mississippi Officials Announce Jackson as Model Cities Initiative Recipient

Good afternoon. Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Justice is investing nearly $64 million through our Model City Initiative in the city of Jackson, Mississippi. This figure, this $64 million, represents the commitment that the Department of Justice is investing and making to the city of Jackson, Mississippi to help them fight violent crime and increase public safety. These funds will be distributed to the city over the course of the next three years, and what you're going to see in the next few months is finalizing the plan and finalizing what we're going to do, and then early next year I expect you'll see the money, and you'll expect to see, hopefully, results almost right away. I want to just take a moment. I can't recognize everybody. A lot of work went into this effort, but I'd like to recognize a few folks, some of whom are up on the stage. First, Governor Tate Reeves. Second, the great Mississippi Attorney General, Lynn Fitch, our Marshals Director, Gaddy Siralta, Jackson Police Chief, Rashad Brackney, and Associate Attorney General, Stanley Woodward. So, in June of this year, the Department of Justice announced the Model Cities Initiative program, and what it consisted of is approximately $300 million dollars. And what we decided to do is that we wanted to ask cities and municipalities around this country who wanted to make a big difference in their cities. ...towards reducing violent crime to apply, and this was a very complicated, competitive process. Ultimately, 47 municipalities applied for funding. 21 were then semi-finalists, 11 cities met with senior leadership at the Department of Justice, and ultimately four cities were selected as our inaugural model cities program, including Jackson, Mississippi. And we selected these cities, and we selected Jackson because of your leadership's pitch. To do a whole-of-government approach to reducing violent crime. And this is something that is extremely important to President Trump and our administration and should be important to every city, every cop walking the beat, and every sheriff, every leader around the country. Because really, if you're going to have... A real impact to make a difference, it can't just be one part of the government, it has to be the entire government working together, and that's exactly what Jackson has committed to do. Now, as a lot of folks in this room know, Jackson is in need, in need of bringing violent crime down. From August 2025 to August 2026, so a one-year period, This city's gunshot detection technology recorded over 8,000 shots fired in just one half square mile. That's about 22 shots fired every single day. And that's just in less than one half of 1% of the city's jurisdiction. That's not fair to Jackson's residents, it's not fair to visitors, and it's not fair to the generations of Mississippians who call Jackson their home. Now, we're here to address this problem. We're here to tell the residents of Jackson that we want to help them. And so is your leadership. So is the city leadership standing behind me. They have made a similar commitment to the Department of Justice and investing in public safety. So the funding that's announced today will, among other initiatives, expand patrol and investigative capacity, enhance prosecution capacity, build a real-time public safety center, Deploy a drone fleet and improve the city's technology and real-time crime-fighting capabilities. What I just talked about costs money. And so when you have a population like in Jackson, Mississippi, with a shrinking tax revenue, this will make a immediate, large, helpful impact in this city for years and years to come. You're going to have more cops on the street, and the cops on the street are going to be working with better equipment, better technology, and better information. So our hope is that as we continue to refine this model of crime reduction, we can roll out these strategies around the country in more than just four cities like we're doing right now. And that's why... We've been traveling around to the four cities, this is our last stop, but it's really to congratulate the city for what's going to happen, and to thank your leadership for their commitment to reducing violent crime, and to say that we'll be back, and we'll be back hopefully with a reporting of positive, positive news. This is the one place where we want numbers to go way, way down when it comes to violent crime. So, a lot of work went into this. There's a lot of people standing behind me, but a lot of people standing behind the cameras that spent a lot of time on this effort since June. I want to congratulate them and commend them for their great work. And with that, I will turn it over to the governor. Thank you very much. Well, good afternoon. It's great to be with you all today, and it is an absolute pleasure to welcome Attorney General Blanch to Mississippi. Today is a good day for the people. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with me today. In my time as Governor, I have made no secret that I believe that the state and government should be ready for a major emergency. That for Mississippi to reach its full potential, As Governor, one of my top priorities has been to enhance Jackson has to reach its full potential. public safety all across our state and especially here in our Jackson is home to incredible families, hard-working business owners, capital city. Throughout my time as Governor, I have made no people who care deeply about their community. It's also where a lot of people come to work every day. And that's why we've worked hard to do everything in our power to protect the people who live and work and play here in our capital city. We've done it a number of different ways. We've invested in Capitol Police, we've put more law enforcement officers on the streets, we've created a new court to provide additional resources to prosecute those who break the law and to hold criminals accountable, and we've provided additional funding to the Hinds County District Attorney's Office to hire more prosecutors, more assistant district attorneys, and additional criminal investigators. We made those investments because here in our state, we understand that public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. And we will stop at nothing to fulfill that responsibility on behalf of the more than 3.1 million people who call this great place home. While we've made significant progress, there's always going to be more work to do. Criminals are always going to be working to find new ways to break the law, and that's why we must always remain vigilant. It's what we've done, and it's what we're going to continue to do. This announcement today of a $64 million investment in our capital city is going to make a huge difference. So I want to thank President Trump, Attorney General Blanch, and the entire Department of Justice. As the Attorney General just mentioned, there are a lot of cities that applied for some of this money. It's a major win for Jackson, it's a major win for the people of Mississippi, and it's going to make a huge difference. This award will allow the city to strengthen its law enforcement capabilities, to improve the use of technology, and to enhance criminal investigations. It will provide additional resources to help law enforcement respond more quickly to prevent crime and to hold those who choose to break the law accountable. On top of that, it gives us another opportunity to strengthen that partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement. To all the people of Jackson, I want you to know that we're going to be there right by your side. We have invested in the safety of the citizens here, and we're going to continue to use every lever of government to protect you and your families. This award also represents another major step forward in our efforts, and we're going to be successful. I also want to take just a moment to thank Mayor Horn, Chief Brackney, and the entire team at the city for recognizing the opportunity this grant affords our capital city. We look forward to partnering. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been with us throughout the day. I want to thank the city of Jackson, with the Jackson police department, to make sure that we continue to make great progress. Also, I want to once again thank our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and every single man and woman that's in this building today, but every single man and woman all throughout our state to get up and put on that badge every I know that you do it because you believe in serving others and you single morning. believe in keeping our fellow citizens safe. Mississippi will always back the blue and we will always have your back. We're grateful for the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers and we are grateful for Attorney General Blanche for helping make this partnership grow even stronger. We look forward to working with you. We look forward to working with our federal partners, we look forward to working with our local partners to make Jackson an even better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Thank y'all and God bless. Thank you, Governor. Good afternoon. Thank you, General Blanche and Associate Attorney General Woodward, thank you both, for this investment in Mississippi's capital city. Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate you and Chief Brackney. Thank you both so very much for having the vision. To build this new pathway to hope and progress, to safety and prosperity for our capital city and for our state. You know, public safety is the cornerstone for any thriving community. Public safety provides the conditions to provide for education, for jobs, for health and well-being, and certainly for business growth and community engagement. All those things help bring people together, and we flourish as a community when they all align. The Model Cities Initiative Act that you are funding here, General Blanche, thank you so much. It recognizes that these are the building blocks for the improved public safety, supporting the men and women who provide security and justice for Jackson. It uses technology for the city. It boldly takes on the issues such as recidivism. This is an opportunity that this plan recognizes the city will not walk alone, that we will all as a team be together. You know, Jackson has built strong partnerships with our local, our state, and our federal partners in law enforcement and as our community leaders, my office included. Several years ago, Mississippi created the blueprint for a public safety partnership for Jackson, which has been extremely successful. This established framework makes Jackson an ideal jurisdiction for this model city's initiative. It provides an opportunity that no other state and no other city can replicate because we now have the opportunity to bring in more resources, more personnel. We work together as partners with our federal, our state, and our local partners. At every level, we'll now be able to reduce crime, restore law and order, and positively impact the quality of life for the residents here in the city. This city already has amazing partners who are ready, willing, and able to support the Model Cities initiative. Partners Who Want to See Jackson Succeed. Partners, we want to see Mississippi lead as a national leader and a national model for urban renewal and public safety. This strategic plan for Jackson's future takes the city's challenges to a whole new level, and it addresses them holistically and strategically. The Attorney General's Office has been very proud to have been a partner for many, many years with the city of Jackson. We have partnered for law enforcement training. We've partnered for the on the streets public safety operations and enforcement for prosecution of crimes and for victims advocacy and support. We've been privileged to stand with Jackson to serve the families of Jackson when they needed us most through their hardship and provide guidance. Whether it's been addressing the substance issues that we've seen through our One Pill Can Kill initiative or providing guidance to our children who are seeking permanency. And then certainly to offering help for our mothers and our children and our families through the MAMA program, Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance. It's been an honor to stand with Jackson. It's been an honor to serve this community. And together we will continue to strategically, wholly, and with compassion, guidance, and purpose continue to serve. And Mayor Horne and Chief Ratnayake, we're proud to be your partner. We look forward to continuing to be your partner. For a safer, new vision, for a stronger Jackson, and for a stronger Mississippi as we all lead together. Thank you, and may God bless you. Good afternoon. I first want to recognize United States Attorney General Todd Blanche, Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Chief Dr. Rochelle Brackney, our city council members. Other elected officials, community leaders, and guests joining in today. This was a team effort. We had all sorts of hands on deck, not only here at the city, led by our police department, and a brand new grants operator that we were able to hire under the leadership of Dr. Brackney, and that's Dr. Monaghan. But the entire city pulled its resources together to try to get this application put to bed. We also want to thank our congressional delegation who were united in signing letters of support for this effort. All of our elected officials statewide were able to send out letters of support. Law enforcement agencies brought letters of support. Community leaders, church members brought letters of support because this, after all, is something that we're all concerned about, and that's public safety. You know, when we were first sworn in a little over a year ago, we started saying that our campaign slogan was Jackson is ready, and after we got sworn in, it became Jackson is rising. And when we were sworn in, there was an excitement that started to permeate our city, and that excitement continues to today. Today, we are taking a pivotal step in trying to help Jackson rise even further, because with violence and without the promotion of law and order and the opportunity to provide people with hope, we're not going to rise. But this decision today, this announcement today about Jackson's selection for the model cities initiative represents an important investment in the safety and future of our city. These resources will strengthen our forensic and investigative capabilities, support our public safety professionals, and expand community partnerships to help prevent violence. And it is violence that we plan and we intend to stamp out in our capital city. The day after we got the announcement, two assailants went to a masquerade party at a lounge and they killed two innocent students and wounded five others. I don't know of a better reason than for us to accept these resources from our federal government. We have to have a safe environment for our city. We have to have it where people not only are safe, but that they feel safe. And I want to thank the Department of Justice, our congressional delegation, and state leaders for their partnership and support. Resources are essential. Our city is dealing with Scarce resources and the need to, I say that we are ideas rich and we're money poor. And so these resources are going to be essential to help us with our public safety, which requires more and more funding. It requires well-trained officers, reliable equipment, strong leadership, and an engaged community. One of the things that I'm really excited about is that this isn't just about putting more cops on the streets, giving them better equipment, giving them better technology. It's going to do all of that. But it's also going to look at the human aspect of this issue and to see how we can work with young people, especially our male population, to see if we can help them find a better way than picking up a gun to try to resolve a conflict or a problem. And so faith leaders. Educators, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and residents all have a role in building a safer Jackson, particularly in creating stronger opportunities for our young people. We share a common goal, a city where families feel safe, neighborhoods thrive, and every resident has the opportunity to succeed. This investment gives us some additional tools. To advance that goal that we all want. Our responsibilities are to use these resources wisely, responsibly, and effectively, and to deliver measurable results for the people of Jackson. Thank you. So, good afternoon. I am putting on my readers. Cheers. So, Attorney General, our distinguished dignitaries, our federal partners who've been there, state, local partners, colleagues, Mayor Horn, JPD, and the residents of Jackson. Today, I want to talk about something bigger than a federal initiative. I want to talk about how we think about public safety and what we believe is possible for Jackson. And what it will take to fundamentally change the conditions that allow for violence to persist. Jackson's selection for the Department of Justice's FY2026 Model Cities Initiative grant gives us an extraordinary opportunity to do just that. If we're going to change the trajectory of public safety in Jackson, we must change how we understand crime itself. Crime doesn't happen in isolation, nor does it exist in a vacuum. It emerges with a broader ecosystem of conditions that shape individuals, neighborhoods and communities. We cannot understand or sustainably address violence simply by counting incidents, mapping hotspots or measuring how quickly we respond after something happens. We must look deeper at the interconnected conditions that create vulnerabilities that That sustains cycles of violence and influence the well-being of our communities. Violence emerges when ecosystems exist. It is influenced by the physical environment, economic opportunity, neighborhood instability, untreated trauma, behavioral health, substance use, social networks, and the strength or absence of the institutions that connect people to opportunities and support. If we only respond to the incident, we risk leaving the conditions that produce it untouched. And if we only concentrate on where crime happens, without understanding why it happens, we will continually find ourselves responding to the same problems. We have to change the conditions, not simply manage the consequences. That is the thinking beyond our vision for Jackson, the city that responds before it arrives. We are building an integrated public safety ecosystem that connects information, intelligence, technology, and people, and institutions in ways that allow us to understand our city differently. Imagine being able to connect a pattern of gun violence with abandoned properties, failing infrastructure, untreated behavioral health needs, repeated victimization, and the absence of meaningful community resources. Not as unrelated data points, but as interconnected conditions requiring coordinated action. Imagine our police department working alongside fire, 911 emergency management, public works, forensic scientists, prosecutors, universities, behavioral health professionals, and community organizations to identify not only where intervention is needed, but what kind of intervention will Actually make a difference. That is the transformation we envision. Our real-time public safety center, our public safety digital twin, our sky-to-street network, modernized forensic capabilities and investments in workforce, victim services, behavioral health, and reentry are not separate projects. They are interconnected components of one system, a system designed to move us from From reaction to anticipation, from fragmented information to to shared understanding, and from isolated intervention to coordinated solutions. And importantly, this is not about building a more technology-sophisticated police department for its own sake. Technology must serve a human purpose, intelligence must lead us to better decisions, and better decisions must produce safer communities. I want to thank the Department of Justice, the Attorney General Blanche for this opportunity. But I also want to recognize the men and women of Jackson Police Department and our many partners who are committed to building something different. I want to take a moment to recognize two members of our JPD family whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this grant to life. First, our grants manager, Dr. Mary McNoggin, and our Chief of Staff, Tonya Norwood. They both understood that we were not simply writing a grant application. We were defining a new approach to public safety. Their work, their dedication and commitment to this department and our city have been invaluable. I'm proud to recognize and grateful to have both of them as part of this team. I also want to recognize two community partners that when I called, they simply said yes. The Gia Hodge of Dale Partners Architect and Dr. Ricky Thigpen of Visit Jackson. To the people of Jackson, I want you to know this initiative is ultimately about your quality of life. It is about creating neighborhoods where your children can thrive, families can remain, businesses can invest, and individuals have pathways to opportunity rather than pathways into the justice system. We cannot arrest our way into community stability. We cannot technology our way into trust. And we cannot sustainably reduce violence without addressing the conditions that allow it to take root. This requires a different type of policing. It requires a different kind of partnership. And it requires us to imagine public safety as something we can build together, not something that we simply deploy when an emergency occurs. Our ambition is to make Jackson better at responding to crime. It's not simply. It's to make Jackson better at creating the conditions in which crime is less likely to occur. And for that investment that makes it possible, and for the work that is ahead, Jackson, JPD, we are committed to building it for this community. Thank you. I, too, will need my readers. Thank you. Thank you, Peter. So good afternoon to the distinguished guests. I see that sharp police department behind us. Good afternoon to all of you. I'm Gaddy Seralta. I'm the director for the United States Marshal Service. Today is an important day for Jackson. This investment recognizes both challenges this city faces and the determination of its leaders to confront these issues. I've spent my career in law enforcement, not to date myself, but 36 years in law enforcement. I know funding matters, but money alone doesn't make the community safer. What matters most is a clear mission, strong partnerships, and a willingness to do the hard work day after day. At the United States Marshals Service, our fugitive operations is straightforward. Finding dangerous fugitives, bringing them to justice. And for two decades, our Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force has worked alongside federal, state, and local officers across Mississippi and Alabama, apprehending more than 76,000 fugitives. We know what works. Local officers know the streets. Our task forces bring additional reach, resources, and investigative experience. Together is how we get results. Jackson's residents aren't looking for promises. They deserve results. Fewer victims, safer streets, and the freedom to live without fear. That's how this initiative should be judged. To the people of Jackson and our law enforcement partners, you have the commitment of the United States Marshal Service. We are ready to do our part. Thank you. Thank you, Director Serrato. Not only has Director Serrato served for 36 years, but it bears mentioning that he embodies exactly what this program was intended to do because the first part of his career was with the state law enforcement. And so he brings a unique knowledge of how the state and federal law enforcement partners can work together. In that vein, the chief has asked me to introduce two very special people we have to speak today, Violet Horn and Melody Vaughn. Good afternoon. As a mother of a son who has been missing for four years, I understand firsthand that behind every investigation is a family waiting for answers. I know the pain of unanswered questions and the emotional weight of not knowing what happened to someone you love. When forensic testing is delayed, families are left waiting, and that waiting adds another layer of trauma and grief. The pain doesn't end when the headlines fade. Families continue to live with the uncertainty, holding on to hope and searching for answers. The city of Jackson needs this grant. To invest in a modern forensic laboratory is about more than technology. It's about people, families, and giving investigation the resources they need to move forward. Rapid DNA testing And timely forensic analysis can bring answers sooner. A crime lab backlog is not just another number. It represents families living with uncertainty and unanswered questions. I cannot change the four years my family has spent waiting for answers. But I hope that what is being done here today Would change the experience of another mother. And a family tomorrow. No family should have to endure the years of waiting for answers that technology and resources may help bring sooner. Thank you. Good afternoon. I'm Violet Horn. First, I want to thank Chief Brackney for giving me this opportunity, Mayor Horn, and the Department of Justice. The opportunity to share my story that unfortunately reflects the pain of too many other families. I also want to speak on the importance of this funding and what it can mean for families still waiting for justice for their loved ones. In March and April of 2024, I myself lost two sons to gun violence, less than a month apart. Cameron Horn Crook was only 14 years old. Bryson Horn Wash was 20 years old. Bryson leaves behind a daughter that is now five years old. Her name is Zariah Horn. No mother should have to bury a child. Not one, but much less than two children less than a month apart. I believe that if law enforcement had access to greater resources, technology, and investigative support sooner, there may have been opportunities to strengthen these investigations and make meaningful progress towards justice. But I also believe that equality is also important. We cannot move forward without examining what went wrong in the past, This, which is why I'm calling for the, which is why I am calling for the investment to be accompanied by meaningful, independent oversight and outside accountability. We must address the barriers between jurisdictions, concerns surrounding evidence, integrity, and the possibility that wealth and influence or status can interfere with equal justice under the law. These are matters that deserve independent examinations, transparencies, and action. I remain hopeful that these resources combined with genuine accountability and cooperation among law enforcement agencies will help bring meaningful progress in both of my son's cases. I also hope they will help restore the confidence and sense of security that families throughout Jackson and surrounding counties deserve. As I continue working with Jackson Police Department and other agencies in pursuit of justice for Cameron and Bryson, I hope that their cases will help mark the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter where jurisdiction, boundaries do not become barriers to justice, where accountability is not optional, and where every victim and every family matters, regardless of wealth, influence, or status. My sons deserve justice, just as well as many other families. Families to come, families before my sons, it's time for us to receive justice. Thank you to the Department of Justice for allowing this grant. Thank you guys for this opportunity. Thank you, Violet. Thank you, Melody. Thank you for having the bravery, the courage to stand before this group, to stand in front of this illustrious group, And to speak about an unthinkable. Unthinkable tragedy and it really speaks to what the purpose of this grant is intended to do. You see, I also have children and despite the fact that I spend my days working with the Attorney General of the United States, despite the fact that I'm standing here before you with the Governor of the State, your State Attorney General, illustrious law firm partners. A sobering reality that I have come to understand in this position as the number three official at the Department of Justice is that we do not ourselves possess the ability to protect our own children, my children. Instead, we do that through your chief of police and all of your local law enforcement officers across the country. It is those that wear the blue each and every day that protect our schools, our streets, and our cities. And so these grants are intended to enable your community leaders to spend the money in the way that is best suited to make your city safe again. Because I submit, friends, that public safety is not controversial and should be expected. We look forward to working with you all over the coming years. We look forward to Jackson serving as a model of what every city is capable of accomplishing. Because public safety is not controversial. It is my privilege to present the United States Department of Justice, a check. Mayor, Chief. I'm going to say it. Thank you all. The Chief says how much? Come on. $63,986,279. All right. Thank you, everybody. If there's some media here, if there are any questions, we'll take them now. Given the connection between crime reduction and election access and the fact that right now the state is obviously going through a very difficult time period of a recount, is there any connection between this award and what the department is currently doing in Virginia, and is that a statement potentially for the way that the federal government may or may not get involved in election access? Thank you. No. I mean, there's no connection between... What's happening in Mississippi with respect to recounts or counts and what we're doing today. What we're doing today, as I said earlier, is a process that was started in June of this year and ended a few weeks ago when ultimately the decision was made for the four cities to be announced. And, you know, like Stanley Wilbur just said. This is up to the cities. So you heard the enthusiasm from the governor, the mayor, your chief police chief, about how motivated they are to make this city safer than it is today. And that's something that we saw in the application from Jackson, Mississippi. That's something that we saw in our meetings with them. And that's the main reason why Jackson was one of the four cities, is because you have leadership at the federal level and in Congress. At the state level, from the governor, at the city level, from the mayor, the attorney general, and the police chief, who are all motivated for the same thing that we're motivated for, which is to bring violent crime down in Jackson, Mississippi. Can you say that again, sir? I said last week we read that the award was $100 million. Can you tell us what changed now in terms of the city? I don't know what you're talking about, what happened last week. I can't tell you anything has changed. The way this was set up was that we would award it to a handful of cities. We ended up selecting four. We have around $300 million for the model cities program to be divided amongst. So the $300 million, if you're asking about, is for all the cities. So the four cities, and then there's some finalists that were not selected, but that we're able to give some money to for grants. And so... This is, look, we're talking about, this has never been done before. And so when we talk about being a model city, that next year we want to be able to say to Congress, I want to be able to say to Congress, the people that give me grants, that this is a great thing. I want 100 cities, 250 cities to apply because they see the benefits that they're feeling in Jackson, Mississippi. This isn't a one-and-done goal that the Department of Justice has. I would love. To be back next year at 20 cities, saying you're all getting $60, $70 million over the course of the next three years. Because at the end of the day, money, you know, resources matter. And so when your mayor, when your city council has to decide how to spend the money that they have in their budget, unfortunately, it's hard. You know, repairing streets, roads, education, the police, and public safety. And that's something that we at the Department of Justice can help with, which is what we're doing today. In the past week, we've seen significant division leaders, three of them, depart the main justice. Can you tell us why those are happening now and whether those are happening in the direction? Well, I think you're right. There have been departures over the past week. There's departures regularly. Also, this happens in every administration. People leave at the time that's right for them and their families and the work they've done. Working for any administration, public service is a sacrifice. And so there's nothing unusual about folks leaving the Department of Justice this week or next week or a few weeks ago. There might be more folks leave over the next six months, a year, we'll see. But it's not unusual that when there's a time like midterm elections that folks leave, and that's what we saw here. Attorney General, Mayor Horne wrote in his letter supporting the city's application that Jackson had seen a meaningful reduction in homicides under Chief Brackney. The mayor had to verify that everything in his letter was true, but that statement was not true. Homicides have increased in Jackson at the time the letter was submitted. Why is the DOJ awarding this money despite Jackson including mischaracterizations in his application? Well, you just heard why. I mean, you just heard from the leaders. You just heard from a mayor, a police chief, a governor. And we are not going into cities to turn cities around. One of the conditions that we had for Jackson to win is a real effort before June, so before this was announced, at tackling violent crime. And you heard... From the Attorney General, you heard from the police chief, there have already been an investment in prosecutors, an investment in more police officers, and we need more. So we came into this optimistic at what Jackson leadership has been doing over the past year plus, and also optimistic in the vision they have for the next couple years. And so I don't view what you just said as in any way... That's not what we looked at. What we looked at is do we have motivation and commitment from leadership that we can work together? We look at this, the Department of Justice views this as an investment in Jackson, Mississippi, an investment. So we are giving $64 million over the course of the next three years to Jackson, Mississippi as an investment. And so I am optimistic. That the leaders that you just heard from are going to invest that money wisely and the results will be a safer, a safer city. Jackson has actually lost police officers under Chief Brackney, but you just said there had been investment in more police officers. Well, no, the fact that there's retention issues has a lot to do with what we're giving money for. Right. So if you're a cop on the beat and you don't have up to the minute technology, you're not working with the best stuff. It can be hard. For retention purposes and so one of the one of the goals of this program is to give police departments an investment in technology and equipment and infrastructure so that so that not only is the public safer, but law enforcement, the cops are safer too. So I'm not sure why you're pushing back as if there's something bad happening because we're here today. This is a very good thing. This is a great thing for every citizen in the city. It's a great thing for the chief. It's a great thing for the mayor. And so we're optimistic that when we come back next year, between now and next year, you're going to feel it in this city and the fact that it's going to be safer. I'll take one more question. I don't know anything about that announcement. Sorry, I can't speak to it. I can tell you I didn't read that announcement. I can tell you that we worked, we meaning senior leadership of the Department of Justice, worked over the past several months, like we talked about. There was a bunch of municipalities that applied. We whittled it down to semi-finalists. We talked to the 11 cities that were the finalists and then made the decision. And the reason why there's an exacting number is because your grant folks proposed, the city grant folks proposed exactly how they wanted to spend the money. And that's true of all four cities. And so we worked with the city on how they're going to spend it, how they're going to roll it out, the timing of when it's going to happen. And that's a process that I think... Continued until this week or late last week, so I'm not sure the announcement you're speaking about if I could give you whatever the hundred million that you wanted I obviously I would love to do that, but we're talking about sixty four million dollars, and we're we're talking about a Real a real change for this city all right, okay? I really want to appreciate thank everybody for being here I appreciate the folks behind me and all the law enforcement in the room. Thank you for being here. God bless you guys God bless America. Thank you