WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement leaders from across the region, for a Law Enforcement Panel and Fireside Discussion.

Their discussion focused on the evolving challenges facing law enforcement agencies across Hampton Roads including recruitment and retention, emerging technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, violent extremism, fraud and cybercrime, and personnel quality of life. Participants also discussed ways the FBI and other federal agencies can strengthen coordination, intelligence sharing, investigative resources, and support for local law enforcement operations.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Keeping our communities safe requires strong partnerships at every level of government, and I was grateful to bring Director Patel together with the men and women who protect Hampton Roads every day. Our law enforcement personnel are dealing with ever evolving threats from cases of complex cybercrime utilizing AI to violent crime and terrorism sparked by online extremism. Washington needs to hear directly from those on the front lines to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”       

“This FBI is proud to serve alongside our tremendous law enforcement partners in Hampton Roads to protect Virginia communities every single day. The dedication and commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel in this region are why we are seeing a historic reduction in violent crime – including a 20% drop in the nationwide murder rate, the largest decrease since 1937, 1.1 million fewer violent crimes in 2025, a 90% increase in violent criminals arrested, and an almost 10% drop in Virginia crime since 2024. When you back the blue and let good cops be cops, this is the result,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

The group also highlighted lessons learned from recent mass-casuality incidents across Hampton Roads and the importance of preparing for emerging threats before a crisis occurs.

“I appreciated the opportunity to join FBI Director Kash Patel today for a conversation with Hampton Roads law enforcement leaders. It was a valuable discussion on the importance of strong partnerships, information sharing, and coordinated law enforcement posture to address the evolving threats facing our communities,” said Kiggans. “Hampton Roads is home to critical military installations, one of the busiest ports in the country, and vital national security assets, making collaboration between federal, state, and local partners more important than ever. I’m grateful to Director Patel and our local law enforcement officials for their commitment to keeping our communities safe. I will continue to ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed,” she concluded.

Background:

Congresswoman Kiggans has worked to secure federal investments supporting law enforcement and first responders throughout Virginia’s Second District, including $3 million for the Virginia Beach Critical Operations Facility, $500,000 for a new Chesapeake marine patrol vessel, and $693,000 to expand the Virginia Beach Creeds Training Facility to support joint training among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Kiggans has also cosponsored bipartisan legislation supporting and protecting law enforcement officers, including the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act, the Protect and Serve Act of 2025, and the EAGLES Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen behavioral threat assessment, school violence prevention, and information sharing.