What Is 2 of America's Most Wanted

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 2 of America's Most Wanted refers to two individuals featured on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted Fugitives' list, a public campaign launched in 1950 to help apprehend dangerous criminals through public tips. Notable early additions included mobster James J. Bulger and murderer Ruth Eisemann-Schier.

Key Facts

The FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list began on March 14, 1950, with publicity support from the National Crime Information Center.
As of 2023, over 500 fugitives have been listed, with approximately 450 captured or located due to public assistance.
James J. Bulger, a Boston mob boss, was added in 1999 and captured in 2011 after 12 years on the run.
Ruth Eisemann-Schier, added in 1968, became the first woman ever placed on the list.
The average time a fugitive remains on the list before capture is 2.3 years, though some evade capture for decades.

Overview

The phrase '2 of America's Most Wanted' typically refers to two individuals featured on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, a program designed to leverage public awareness in capturing dangerous criminals. Established during the early Cold War era, the list has become a cornerstone of federal law enforcement outreach.

By highlighting high-profile suspects with photographs and detailed descriptions, the FBI increases the likelihood of public recognition and tips leading to arrests. The program has evolved from newspaper printouts to digital alerts and social media campaigns.

Launched on March 14, 1950, the list was created after a Washington Post article suggested a national publicity campaign to catch fugitives.
Over 500 individuals have appeared on the list since its inception, with an average of 15 active entries at any given time.
Approximately 90% of those captured were apprehended as a direct result of public tips generated by the campaign.
James J. Bulger, a notorious Boston crime boss, remained on the list for 12 years before being arrested in Santa Monica in 2011.
Ruth Eisemann-Schier, added in 1968 for kidnapping, became the first woman to appear on the list and was captured in Norman, Oklahoma.

How It Works

The FBI selects fugitives for the list based on severity of crime, public threat level, and the likelihood that public exposure will aid capture. Each profile includes biographical data, known aliases, physical descriptions, and suspected locations.

Selection Criteria: The FBI prioritizes fugitives charged with violent crimes, terrorism, or major drug trafficking offenses. Only cases with sufficient public information are chosen.
Public Dissemination: Profiles are published on the FBI website, shared via social media, and distributed to news outlets nationwide to maximize visibility.
Tip Hotline: A dedicated 1-800 number allows anonymous reporting; in 2022, over 3,200 tips were received through this channel.
Reward System: The FBI offers rewards up to $2 million for information leading to capture, especially in terrorism-related cases.
Interagency Coordination: The U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations often assist in tracking fugitives listed by the FBI.
Removal Process: Fugitives are removed upon capture, surrender, death, or if new intelligence renders the listing ineffective or unnecessary.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of five notable fugitives from different eras of the Most Wanted program:

Fugitive	Year Added	Crime	Time on List	Outcome
James J. Bulger	1999	Organized crime, murder	12 years	Captured in 2011, convicted in 2013
Ruth Eisemann-Schier	1968	First female on list, kidnapping	6 weeks	Arrested in Oklahoma, sentenced to 7 years
Whitey Bulger	1999	Racketeering, 19 murders	12 years	Found in 2011, murdered in prison in 2018
Eric Robert Rudolph	1998	Atlanta Olympics bombing	5 years	Captured in 2003, sentenced to life
Osama bin Laden	1999	Terrorism, embassy bombings	12 years	Killed in 2011 during U.S. raid

This table illustrates how the list has adapted to changing threats—from organized crime to terrorism. While early cases focused on bank robbers and kidnappers, post-9/11 additions reflect national security priorities. Despite evolving methods, public cooperation remains central to success.

Why It Matters

The Ten Most Wanted program underscores the power of public engagement in law enforcement. It not only aids in capturing fugitives but also deters others by demonstrating that prolonged evasion is unlikely.

Enhanced public safety: Apprehending violent fugitives reduces crime rates in communities where they may be hiding.
Deterrent effect: High-profile listings discourage others from fleeing justice, knowing exposure is widespread.
International cooperation: Interpol and foreign law enforcement often assist when fugitives cross borders.
Media partnerships: Networks like CNN and Fox News regularly feature segments on current fugitives, amplifying reach.
Technological integration: Facial recognition and digital databases now support traditional tip-based methods.
Historical record: The list serves as a timeline of America’s evolving criminal justice challenges over seven decades.

From Cold War-era outlaws to modern terrorists, 'America's Most Wanted' remains a vital tool in federal law enforcement strategy, combining public vigilance with investigative rigor.