August 20, 2025

Shreveport Leaders Respond to Governor Newsom’s Crime Comments

Shreveport, LA, August 20, 2025

News Summary

Shreveport’s city officials have pushed back against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s claims regarding the city’s high crime rates. During a podcast, Newsom inaccurately stated that Shreveport’s murder rate is six times higher than San Francisco’s. Local leaders, including City Councilman Jim Taliaferro and Mayor Tom Arceneaux, emphasized Shreveport’s significant reductions in homicides and overall crime rates. They asserted that Newsom’s statements were based on outdated data and misrepresentations, defending the city’s safety improvements and urging accurate discourse on crime statistics.

Shreveport Leaders Push Back Against Governor Newsom’s Crime Comments

Shreveport city leaders have responded strongly to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent comments regarding the city’s crime rate. During a podcast interview, Newsom criticized President Trump’s law enforcement actions while claiming that Shreveport’s murder rate was six times higher per capita than that of San Francisco. This assertion has sparked significant pushback from local officials.

City Councilman Jim Taliaferro challenged Newsom’s statements, suggesting that the governor needs to verify his facts before making disparaging remarks about Shreveport. He accused Newsom of using outdated data and emphasized the city’s progress in reducing crime over recent years, particularly in homicides, which have reportedly declined by 40% since last year.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux supported Taliaferro’s position, calling Newsom’s comments a misrepresentation of the current situation in Shreveport. He pointed out the notable decrease in violent crime and highlighted that the city’s statistics tell a different story from what Newsom suggested. In fact, the crime statistics indicate a decrease in total arrests by almost 6%, homicides by 35%, and shootings by 11% between 2023 and 2024.

In 2024, Shreveport recorded 53 homicides, while San Francisco only had 35, despite the latter having a significantly larger population. This discrepancy was reiterated by Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, who stated that the focus of the police department remains on serving the community, regardless of political critiques such as those from Newsom.

Both Congressman Mike Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have also condemned the governor’s remarks, urging him to concentrate on addressing the crime issues within California instead of directing criticism at other states. According to Newsom’s statements, he was attempting to highlight the crime challenges faced by red states, but local leaders argue that his representation of Shreveport is unfounded.

In a related note, Mayor Arceneaux mentioned that Shreveport is no longer featured among America’s top ten most dangerous cities, a significant change that reflects the efforts of local leadership and law enforcement. He acknowledged the impact of federal relationships that have helped secure grants for crime reduction initiatives in Shreveport. Taliaferro lastly urged Governor Newsom to focus on the challenges in his own state rather than seeking validation from outsiders regarding Shreveport’s improvements in crime statistics.

Shreveport Crime Statistics

Homicides decreased by 35% from the previous year.
Total arrests declined by nearly 6% from 2023 to 2024.
Reported shootings fell by 11% in the same period.
In 2024, Shreveport’s homicide count was 53, while San Francisco reported 35.

Background Context

The comments from Governor Newsom have kindled a broader conversation regarding crime rates in different states, particularly highlighting the contrasts between red and blue states. Local leaders in Shreveport are adamant about defending their city’s narrative and showcasing the progress made in enhancing public safety. This incident underlines the ongoing dialogue about crime management in urban areas and the importance of accurate data in shaping public perception.

Conclusion

The discussion sparked by Governor Newsom’s remarks highlights the complexities of crime statistics and the importance of utilizing accurate and current data. City leaders in Shreveport remain optimistic about continuing their progress, focusing on enhancing safety and well-being in their community.

FAQ

What did Governor Newsom say about Shreveport?

Governor Newsom claimed that Shreveport had a murder rate six times higher than San Francisco during a podcast interview.

How did local leaders respond to Newsom’s statements?

Local leaders, including City Councilman Jim Taliaferro and Mayor Tom Arceneaux, criticized Newsom’s remarks as inaccurate and based on outdated data.

What are the current crime statistics for Shreveport?

Shreveport has experienced a 40% decline in homicides, a 6% reduction in total arrests, and an 11% decrease in shootings between 2023 and 2024.

How does Shreveport’s crime rate compare to San Francisco?

In 2024, Shreveport reported 53 homicides compared to San Francisco’s 35, despite Shreveport having a smaller population.

What are local leaders advocating for in response to Newsom’s comments?

Local leaders are urging Governor Newsom to focus on challenges within his own state rather than criticizing Shreveport and are advocating for accurate representations of their crime reduction efforts.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo 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 Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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