Historic Arrest of Ryan Wedding: A Testament to Collaborative Law Enforcement
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather not just to relay an event but to celebrate a moment of collective triumph in the battle against organized crime. Under the leadership of President Trump, law enforcement agencies have made unprecedented strides in safeguarding our communities. This morning, we proudly announce the capture of Ryan Wedding, a name now synonymous with transnational crime, and a figure long sought by law enforcement.
To put this achievement into perspective, Wedding was one of the FBI’s ten most wanted fugitives, and his apprehension marks the sixth such capture within a single year—a milestone that surpasses the total captured during the previous administration. This accomplishment is a direct result of the extraordinary collaboration between federal, local, and international law enforcement agencies. With the guidance of Attorney General Pam Bondi and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, we have taken a significant step in dismantling a major threat.
Ryan Wedding’s story is shocking. Once an Olympic snowboarder, he became one of the largest drug traffickers of modern times. His organization, linked to the Sinaloa cartel, flooded our streets with hundreds of kilos of cocaine and was responsible for the tragic loss of innocent lives. It is no exaggeration to label him a modern-day El Chapo or Pablo Escobar, figures whose legacies cast long shadows over the world of organized crime.
The operation leading to Wedding’s arrest was multifaceted, showcasing the strength of teamwork. At the core were brave men and women who tirelessly examined evidence and developed a strategic plan. Their efforts culminated in a joint operation with Mexican authorities that ultimately brought Wedding into custody in Mexico City. This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our partners from Mexico, including President Shinbomb and Secretary Harouch, who collaborated seamlessly to apprehend this dangerous criminal.
The statistics are staggering. In the past year, the FBI has executed 67,000 arrests, marking a 200% increase from previous years. We’ve managed to seize enough fentanyl to kill 150 million Americans and have arrested a startling 35% more individuals involved in espionage. Additionally, we have successfully identified and located 6,000 missing children—an increase of 22%. All these figures reflect the commitment to public safety and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts.
The impact of these actions is profound. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have witnessed a groundbreaking 20% decline in the murder rate across the United States. This is not just a number; it represents lives saved, families spared from tragedy, and communities granted a chance to heal.
The arrest of Ryan Wedding serves not only as a reminder of the challenges we face but also as a beacon of hope for what is achievable through unwavering determination and cooperation. Today is not just about one fugitive; it’s about thousands of lives that have been positively influenced due to this apprehension. The work of our law enforcement is far from over, and we are committed to continuing this momentum.
Looking ahead, we are already preparing to transport another top 10 fugitive apprehended during our mission in Mexico. This reflects our ongoing commitment to dismantling organized crime networks, ensuring that those who pose a threat are brought to justice. We owe immense gratitude to our state and local law enforcement partners. Their relentless efforts day in and day out make these large-scale operations feasible.
In conclusion, I want to thank the teams across the board—FBI, LAPD, DEA, and our international counterparts—for their dedication. This represents a collective win for all those involved, and an emphatic message to those who think they can evade justice: the long arm of the law knows no borders, and it will find you.
As we move forward, let us remain vigilant and committed to our cause, championing justice and safety in our communities. The work continues, but today we celebrate this monumental success as a testament to what we can achieve together. Thank you.
