News Summary
In response to increasing public safety concerns, Governor Jeff Landry has requested federal assistance to activate 1,000 members of the Louisiana National Guard. Citing critical personnel shortages in local law enforcement and a significant rise in violent crimes, particularly in urban areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the governor’s plan outlines National Guard support for policing and community outreach. The initiative, aimed at addressing the alarming crime rates, is proposed to extend through the end of fiscal year 2026.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Governor Jeff Landry has made an official request for federal support to activate up to 1,000 members of the Louisiana National Guard in response to escalating public safety concerns across the state. This request was communicated in a letter addressed to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, wherein the governor highlighted a rise in violent crimes reported particularly in urban areas such as Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
The governor’s correspondence points to critical personnel shortages within local law enforcement agencies, which he asserts exacerbate public safety threats. Statistics included in his letter indicate that incidents of homicide, carjacking, and gang-related violence in Louisiana surpass the national average significantly. To mitigate these issues, Landry proposes deploying National Guard members throughout the state, with a focus on urban centers and other high-crime areas.
The outlined mission scope for the National Guard includes supporting local law enforcement, providing logistical and communications support, and securing critical infrastructure. Landry emphasizes that any operations conducted by the National Guard would adhere to established rules for the use of force and aims to foster community outreach to enhance transparency and public trust.
The request for federal support is intended to stretch through the end of the fiscal year 2026, concluding on September 30, 2026. This appeal for assistance arises amidst ongoing discussions regarding the military’s involvement in addressing crime in various cities across the nation, including Memphis, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon.
Governor Landry has a history of backing similar proposals, having previously supported former President Trump’s suggestions for sending troops to combat crime in Louisiana cities. Trump has expressed a particular interest in deploying military support to areas experiencing high levels of crime, specifically noting New Orleans as one such location.
In terms of contextual background, prior National Guard deployments to New Orleans were noted following a terror attack on Bourbon Street on January 1. Since early 2025, local crime statistics have shown reductions in various categories across several cities, namely New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. Specific figures indicate that New Orleans has seen over a 30% decrease in homicides involving firearms and carjackings, while other violent crime occurrences have experienced similar declines compared to the previous year. Additionally, Baton Rouge’s homicide rate decreased by 19% as of mid-year, with East Baton Rouge Parish recording a 22% drop. In Shreveport, the police department reported reductions in homicides (29%), non-fatal shootings (23%), and armed robberies (17%).
The activation of National Guard troops under Landry’s plan will be executed according to Title 32, United States Code, Section 502(f), which allows for state control of the troops upon activation. While Landry possesses the authority to activate the Louisiana National Guard, he requires federal approval to secure the necessary funding for this initiative. Prior requests for National Guard involvement include a deployment to Texas focused on border enforcement in 2024.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governor Landry Requests National Guard to Address Crime in Louisiana
Governor Landry Requests National Guard for Crime Control in New Orleans
Investigation Underway in Homicide of 73-Year-Old in New Orleans Hotel
Eureka Naval Craft and Bordelon Marine Partner to Boost U.S. Military Shipbuilding
New Orleans Police Investigate Homicide After Shooting
U.S. Justice Department Supports Chevron in Coastal Lawsuit
Congressman Troy Carter Endorses Helena Moreno for Mayor
Deployment of National Guard Troops in Louisiana
Study Links Heatwaves to Rise in Domestic Violence in New Orleans
Top Things to Do in New Orleans for First-Time Visitors
Additional Resources
- WWLTV
- Wikipedia: Louisiana National Guard
- WAFB
- Google Search: Governor Jeff Landry National Guard
- NOLA
- Google Scholar: Louisiana crime statistics
- Axios
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- KALB
- Google News: Louisiana public safety concerns
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
