NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — New FBI data shows violent crime is hitting two of Tennessee's largest cities hard.

The FBI ranked Memphis number one in the country for its violent crime rate per capita, with 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Nashville came in at number eight, with 1,124 violent crimes per 100,000 people, according to the FBI data.

The numbers were released following President Donald Trump's appearance on a conservative radio show hosted by Todd Starnes, where he mentioned he'd consider sending federal troops to Memphis to fight crime.

“I can put that early on the list, and I’m sure the people would love it.”

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued the following statement to News 2 in support of the measure:

“Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can

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