News Summary
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has requested federal assistance to deploy up to 1,000 National Guard personnel to combat rising crime rates in the state. The move aims to bolster local law enforcement struggling with manpower shortages. The state’s crime statistics reveal severe issues, especially in cities like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. While past National Guard deployments have shown success in reducing crime, local officials are questioning the necessity of this action amidst declining homicide rates but rising levels in other crime categories.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has formally requested federal assistance to deploy up to 1,000 National Guard personnel to combat escalating crime rates in the state. During an appearance on “Hannity,” Landry shared his concerns over the ongoing public safety issues that are overwhelming local law enforcement agencies.
The request has been submitted to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth under Title 32, and it comes in response to alarming crime statistics, including rising homicides, carjackings, and gang violence that surpass the national average. Landry highlighted manpower shortages in local law enforcement, exacerbated by natural disasters like hurricanes, which have led to strained police forces unable to manage the increasing crime effectively.
The crime surge is particularly evident in cities like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, where elevated rates of violent crime have been recorded. By requesting assistance from the National Guard, Landry aims to enhance law enforcement presence, provide logistical support, and safeguard critical infrastructure in high-crime areas.
If deployed, National Guard personnel would be tasked with patrolling neighborhoods, fortifying police presence, and aiding in logistical and communication efforts during operations. Past deployments of the National Guard have proven effective, reportedly leading to a significant drop in crime—up to 50%—during major events such as Mardi Gras.
In 2024, Louisiana reported 520 violent crimes and 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 people, signaling that violent crime rates in the state were 44.8% higher and property crime rates were 30.5% higher than the national average. These statistics underscore the growing concerns surrounding public safety in the state.
Meanwhile, some local officials from Shreveport and New Orleans have raised questions regarding the necessity and potential consequences of deploying the National Guard. Although there have been references to the success of previous deployments in other cities, such as Washington and Memphis, the extent of their effectiveness remains debated given the fluctuating crime indicators.
It is noteworthy that preliminary data indicates New Orleans is trending toward its lowest murder rate in over five decades, reporting 84 homicides as of late September 2025. This figure shows a marked decrease from 124 homicides in 2024 and 193 in 2023. However, while homicides have declined, other categories of crime, such as robberies and assaults, are on an upward trajectory compared to previous years, presenting additional challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Despite some overall decreases in specific crime categories, local law enforcement has expressed increasing challenges related to violent crime. Governor Landry has emphasized the need for additional resources, particularly for large city events like Mardi Gras, asserting the importance of addressing the ongoing crime crisis.
Many residents of Louisiana recall prior National Guard deployments aimed at crime control, especially in response to events like Hurricane Katrina and various mass shootings. As Governor Landry’s request moves forward, its implications on community safety and law enforcement will be under close scrutiny, as the state grapples with complex public safety challenges in the context of rising crime rates.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWLTV
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- Washington Post
- Google Search: National Guard Louisiana
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Defense Act
- AP News
- Google News: Louisiana crime rates
- New York Times
- Google Scholar: Louisiana violent crime statistics
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.
