U.S. violent crime fell sharply in 2025 according to preliminary FBI data, with murders dropping an estimated 18.1% and overall violent crime declining 9.3%. If sustained, the figures would represent the lowest national homicide rate on record.

<p>The alleged leader of a bank robbery crew killed in a shoot-out on the West Side last week was tracked down in a weekslong manhunt powered by surveillance cameras, tracking devices and cellphone monitoring.</p><p>Abdulhafedh Abdulhafedh, 25, was behind the wheel of a black Cadillac Escalade on May 28 when FBI agents boxed in the SUV on West Lexington Street, according to court records and officials.</p><p>What happened next was captured in part on a resident's cellphone video. Authorities say Abdulhafedh fired at agents through the roof of the Escalade. Agents returned fire, <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/05/29/witness-hears-30-rifle-rounds-when-fbi-agents-in-riot-gear-gun-down-convicted-bank-robber-on-west-side" target="_blank" >killing him</a>.</p><p>The shoot-out capped an elaborate game of cat-and-mouse that unfolded after a series of armed bank robberies investigators linked to a crew that called itself the "100K Gang."</p><p>Federal authorities say Abdulhafedh was the "mastermind" of the group, which is accused of stealing more than $201,000 during an armed robbery of a BMO Harris branch in St.