FBI using AI to zero in on threats faster, deputy director says
FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia says the bureau is turning to artificial intelligence as a tool to identify threats and act on them faster.
September 3, 2026 / 8:02 PM EDT / CBS News
Raia, a 23-year veteran of the FBI who was appointed deputy director in January, says AI has helped identify credible threats and reduce the time from tip to action in the field from weeks down to hours, or even minutes.
"We've sprinkled in AI and now these tips rise to the top and we can get them out to the field to action," Raia said.
Violent crime rates in the U.S. have plummeted recently, with the nation's murder rate reaching a 20-year low in 2025 and violent crime overall showing the biggest one-year drop on record, according to data released in August from the FBI's annual crime report. Aggravated assaults fell by 7.2%, rapes declined by 7.6% and robbery dropped 18.5%, according to the FBI's report.
Raia credits a "combination of things" behind the downturn. He praised state and local law enforcement, the border "being sealed up," and a "renewed focus on violent crime."