Shreveport Leaders Push Back Against Governor Newsom’s Critique of City’s Crime Rates

Shreveport leaders are responding to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent comments where he criticized the city’s crime rates during a podcast interview. Newsom described Shreveport’s situation as “carnage,” referencing its homicide rate which he claimed exceeds that of San Francisco by six times. These remarks have raised eyebrows among local officials, who assert that the governor is using misleading statistics.

Shreveport City Councilman Jim Taliaferro has stated that Newsom should verify his information, accusing the governor of selectively using outdated data to support his claims. Taliaferro further highlighted the ongoing improvements in Shreveport’s crime situation, crediting efforts by local law enforcement as well as the support from the city’s mayor and council.

In 2023, Shreveport was named one of America’s top 10 most dangerous cities, a classification that continues to provoke discussions about the city’s safety. However, recent reports indicate a notable decline in violent crime rates. Specifically, Shreveport has achieved a 40% reduction in homicides, indicating positive trends in safety metrics.

Comparative data released for current homicide figures in 2025 shows Shreveport with 25 homicides, while San Francisco recorded 15. This statistic undermines Newsom’s claims about Shreveport’s crime situation, particularly following the national trend reported by the FBI that indicates a decrease in overall homicides across the United States.

Political leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed their frustration with Newsom’s comments, suggesting that he should focus on resolving California’s own issues rather than commenting on crime in Shreveport. Mayor Tom Arceneaux also weighed in, stating that Newsom’s portrayal of the city’s progress fails to acknowledge the actual improvements in crime statistics.

Current statistics from Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith reflect an almost 6% decrease in total arrests, complemented by a 35% drop in homicides and an 11% decrease in shootings for the year 2024 compared to 2023. Such figures present a contrasting narrative to Newsom’s critique.

Furthermore, Mayor Arceneaux pointed to significant investments in police resources and updated crime-fighting technologies as crucial to the city’s improved safety. Local leaders, including Taliaferro and Arceneaux, emphasized their intent to prevent external political commentaries from negatively impacting Shreveport’s image, especially as it pertains to attracting potential investors and retaining residents.

As the debate continues, Shreveport is keen on showcasing its advancements and emphasizing its ongoing commitment to enhancing safety for its community.

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