Washington — The Justice Department announced Wednesday that more than 1,500 fugitives and violent criminals were arrested as part of a month-long operation to fight violent crime in 10 cities.
The U.S. led Operation North Star, which was also known as “Operation North Star”. Marshals Services led the 30-day initiative that lasted for 30 days. It was directed at cities with high homicides or shootings, including Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
According to the Justice Department, the operation was targeted at those accused of “the most severe, violent, and harmful offenses,” such as homicide, robbery, or aggravated assault. According to the department, priority was given to suspects who used guns or had risk factors associated with violence.
The U.S. Marshals Services gave Attorney General Merrick Garland a briefing. On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed by the head of the U.S. Marshals Services. He stated that the operation is an example of the United States’ efforts to protect communities from violence and gun violence.
Federal agents were able to arrest 230 people in the case of homicide and 131 in the case of sexual assault. The department stated that investigators also confiscated 166 firearms and more than $53,600 worth of currency. They also took more than 33 kilograms illegal narcotics.
Three people were arrested — Quran Garner, Quran Garner, and Rashaan Vereen (34 years old), who were all suspected of involvement in the shooting that occurred in Philadelphia on June 4, which left 11 people injured and three dead.
Since taking over the Justice Department’s helm, Garland has taken many steps to reduce gun violence and violent crime. He also launched five gun trafficking strike force units last year in an effort to stop the flow of guns into key areas across the country.
Garland and President Biden also gave the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives a task more than a decade ago to crack down on federal firearms licensers violating key regulations and proposed a new rule for stemming the proliferation of so called ghost guns.
The April final rule requires ghost gun kit manufacturers to include serial numbers. Federal licensing is required for commercial sellers. They must run background checks prior to selling and keep records of all purchases.
