News Summary
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has requested the deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to combat rising crime rates in New Orleans and other cities. This request comes amid a backdrop of decreasing violent crime statistics in the state. Local law enforcement faces challenges, including staffing shortages, and the governor’s proposal has sparked criticism from some local leaders. Discussions are ongoing about the necessity and implications of additional troop presence during significant events like Mardi Gras.
New Orleans – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has formally requested the deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to New Orleans and several other cities in the state in response to rising crime rates. The request was made in a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seeking assistance through the fiscal year 2026. Landry, a Republican and ally of former President Trump, advocates for this measure by highlighting the perceived success of similar past deployments in curbing crime during major events.
Among the cities experiencing increased crime, Landry identified Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, where local law enforcement is reportedly overwhelmed. Citing public safety concerns, he praised the Trump administration’s historical decisions to deploy troops to cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis as strategies to combat urban violence. The current request underscores the belief that martial support can contribute to crime reduction, especially during high-profile events such as Mardi Gras.
Despite these claims, crime statistics reveal a significant decline in violent crime across Louisiana’s major cities. New Orleans is projected to achieve its lowest number of homicides in over five decades, with 75 recorded homicides in 2025, compared to 124 in 2024 and 193 in 2023. According to crime trends analyst Jeff Asher, the city has also seen a notable decrease in carjackings, vehicle burglaries, and shootings, challenging the rationale behind Landry’s request for National Guard support.
Following the governor’s call for assistance, the Louisiana National Guard met with local New Orleans and state police officials to discuss preliminary planning for the potential deployment. The governor’s objective in increasing police presence is partly motivated by staffing shortages attributed to the impact of natural disasters on local law enforcement agencies. Additional troops are expected to bolster safety efforts during events anticipated to attract large crowds.
The proposal has sparked criticism from leaders in several Democratic-controlled states, who question the necessity of deploying the National Guard and suggest that these actions may not effectively resolve crime challenges. The mayors of New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge are currently grappling with their own public safety concerns but have shown skepticism regarding the need for extra troops.
As discussions around deploying the National Guard continue, both local and state officials are weighing the implications of such actions in the context of their ongoing efforts to enhance community safety. The evolving crime data and recent trends may play a critical role in shaping future responses to crime in these urban environments.
As law enforcement agencies and local leaders assess the situation, the outcome of Landry’s request remains uncertain, and public discourse will continue as stakeholders explore various strategies aimed at promoting safety and reducing crime rates across Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWLTV
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- NOLA
- Google Search: NATIONAL GUARD NEW ORLEANS
- Shreveport Times
- Google Scholar: National Guard Deployment Louisiana
- FOX 8 Live
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Fox News
- Google News: Louisiana Governor National Guard
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.
