Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry asked the Pentagon to deploy National Guard troops to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, aligning with President Trump's broader push to use the Guard to combat crime [washingtonpost.com#1][nytimes.com#1][msnbc.com#1]. New Orleans police leaders said local crime is falling, with an assistant superintendent noting "our crime rate is going down," while indicating the department would coordinate if troops arrive [abcnews.go.com#1][alternet.org#1][washingtonpost.com#1]. The Defense Department has drafted a similar plan, and one account says Landry's letter sought up to 1,000 Guard members through October 2026 [washingtonpost.com#1][alternet.org#1].
Highlights:
- Request details: Landry asked for 1,000 National Guard personnel for New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, with deployments running through October 2026 [alternet.org#1].
- Federal context: The request mirrors President Trump's push to use the Guard in cities, and the Pentagon has drafted a plan to support such deployments [nytimes.com#1][washingtonpost.com#1].
- Crime trends: A crime analyst reported New Orleans has the fewest murders since 1970, with carjackings down 80%, vehicle burglaries down 70% and shootings down 63% relative to recent years [alternet.org#1].
- Police stance: New Orleans police leadership said crime is decreasing and indicated readiness to coordinate with any federal troops if deployed [abcnews.go.com#1].
- Political reactions: Some Louisiana Democrats, including Rep. Troy Carter and State Rep. Joy Walters, argued troops on city streets won't solve crime and urged investments in jobs, education and healthcare [alternet.org#1].
Our crime rate is going down – Hans Ganthier
Perspectives:
- Governor Jeff Landry: Says Louisiana has made progress driving down crime but needs added support to finish the job and reduce violence. (Just the News)
- New Orleans Police Department: Reports crime is trending down and indicates the department will work with any federal troops if they are deployed. (ABC News)
- Trump administration: Has encouraged using the National Guard to address urban crime, with a Pentagon draft plan reportedly prepared. (The Washington Post)
- Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA): Warns that putting National Guard troops on city streets could worsen conditions rather than improve safety. (Alternet)
- State Rep. Joy Walters (D-LA): Argues troops won't solve crime and calls for investments in jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity. (Alternet)
- Crime analyst Jeff Asher: Says data show significant improvements in New Orleans crime metrics, making the troop request unnecessary. (Alternet)
Sources:
- New Orleans police official says crime is down after governor requests National Guard troops – abcnews.go.com
- 'Wholly unnecessary': Law enforcement rips MAGA governor for federal troops 'stunt' – alternet.org
- Gov. Jeff Landry Wants National Guard Troops Deployed in Louisiana – nytimes.com
- Republican governor asks the Pentagon to deploy National Guard troops to Louisiana – msnbc.com
- Louisiana governor requests National Guard for New Orleans, Baton Rouge – washingtonpost.com
- Louisiana Gov Landry requests deployment of National Guard – justthenews.com
