National Guard Support on the Table For Shreveport’s Crime Crisis
Should the feds step in and help fight crime in Shreveport. Governor Jeff Landry says he's going to be bringing assistance here.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux welcomes the help, but he says he would like to sit down with state leaders and talk about what that would look like. The Mayor is hesitant to say if he thinks it's a good idea to have National Guard troops fan out in the city.
Governor Jeff Landry has voiced support for deploying additional resources, arguing that Shreveport faces a crisis that requires “all hands on deck.” Speaking earlier this week, Landry emphasized, “The people of Louisiana deserve safe communities, and I will use every tool at my disposal to make sure law-abiding citizens don’t live in fear.”
Trump Signals Federal Backing
President Donald Trump has also weighed in, echoing Landry’s position. During remarks at a recent rally, Trump said, “We will not stand by and watch American families terrorized by violent crime. If needed, the National Guard will go in and restore safety in Shreveport, just as we’ve discussed in other cities.”
Mayor Arceneaux Highlights Local Progress
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, however, struck a more measured tone in a statement he issued this week. Arceneaux stresses the importance of carefully considering how outside support should be provided.
“I respect Governor Landry’s concern for public safety across Louisiana, and I appreciate his intention to support the provision of additional resources to fight crime in Shreveport,” Arceneaux said.
He pointed to progress made by the Shreveport Police Department, including a 43% decrease in homicides from last year, and praised officers for “impressive work” despite staffing challenges.
Balancing Local and State Solutions
Still, the mayor acknowledged that more help could benefit the city. “Any city our size can always use additional resources in the battle against crime. The question is how, when, and in what form to provide those resources,” he said.
Arceneaux called for “thoughtful discussions” among local, state, and federal leaders to pursue long-term solutions, such as adding more P.O.S.T.-certified officers with arrest powers and securing funds to raise police pay.
What Comes Next for Shreveport
For now, the possibility of Guard troops moving north from New Orleans to Shreveport remains under consideration. City officials, state leaders, and the White House are expected to continue talks in the coming weeks as residents wait to see what shape any deployment might take.