When was this? The murder rate for Lansing looks pretty consistent for the years 2002-2016.
The County got a Federal Grant to prosecute gun crimes Federally. I think it was in 2000.
It wasn’t really designed to specifically lower the murder rate, but to add a big cost to using or firing a gun while committing a crime.
The biggest result was getting those who committed gun crimes, and especially repeat offenders off the streets with penalties up to life in prison for the crimes listed below. Those upper penalties
weren’t available under state laws.
Using, Carrying, or Possessing a Gun in Furtherance of Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime
5 years (Michigan law is 2 years)
to
Life (Michigan had no life for this)
18 U.S.C. §
924(c)(1)(A)(i)
Brandishing a Gun in Furtherance of Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime
7 years (Michigan law was less)
to
Life (ditto no state law life)
18 U.S.C. §
924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
Discharging a Gun in Furtherance of Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime
10 years (usually plea bargained away in Michigan. Would usually offer a plea to underlying felony violent or not. Not much chance of that Federally)
to
Life (not in the state)
18 U.S.C. §
924(c)(1)(A)(iii)