Shreveport, LA, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux responds to concerns regarding the possible deployment of the Louisiana National Guard to combat rising crime. He acknowledges the support from Governor Jeff Landry and discusses improvements in local crime statistics, including a significant decrease in homicides and total arrests. Arceneaux emphasizes the importance of local solutions for public safety and indicates a preference for avoiding immediate militarization in Shreveport.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux Responds to Possibility of National Guard Deployment Amid Crime Concerns

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has publicly responded to the potential deployment of the Louisiana National Guard to address rising crime concerns in the city. His statement comes in light of President Donald Trump’s announcement that he may send federal troops to assist local law enforcement in New Orleans, a city facing significant crime challenges.

According to the mayor, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has shown support for Trump’s plans, which now extend to both New Orleans and Shreveport. While acknowledging the governor’s commitment to public safety throughout Louisiana, Arceneaux emphasized that the Shreveport Police Department has already made substantial progress in crime reduction efforts.

Recent statistics indicate a 43% decrease in homicides in Shreveport compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to the hard work of local law enforcement, even amid a shortage of certified officers. Arceneaux highlighted the importance of neighborhood engagement and ongoing initiatives to improve public safety.

The mayor expressed confidence in the local police department’s capabilities, stating that while Shreveport is open to additional assistance, the primary goal is to address crime through local solutions. He stressed that discussions regarding any National Guard deployment should prioritize long-term strategies rather than immediate militarization.

Governor Landry previously deployed 150 Louisiana National Guard troops to Washington D.C. at Trump’s request, and Trump has suggested that rectifying crime levels in New Orleans could take approximately two weeks, a timeline he implied would be more manageable than in other urban settings like Chicago.

In a recent social media post, Landry expressed his readiness to accept Trump’s assistance for Shreveport, pointing to the need for collaboration in combating crime. This dialogue comes in response to scrutiny from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized Trump for not addressing Shreveport’s crime issues, citing a homicide rate significantly higher than that of San Francisco.

Shreveport’s crime statistics from 2023 to 2024 reveal a 6% decrease in total arrests, a 35% decrease in homicides, and an 11% decrease in shootings. Mayor Arceneaux noted that Shreveport is no longer listed among the most dangerous cities in Louisiana, indicating progress in crime mitigation efforts.

The mayor reiterated that while he is open to discussions with Landry about potential resources, deploying the National Guard should not be an immediate course of action. The presence of the National Guard in Shreveport is not anticipated in the near future, as Arceneaux prefers alternate support methods for local policing issues.

FAQ

Key Features

• 43% decrease in homicides in Shreveport from the previous year.
• 6% reduction in total arrests reported between 2023 and 2024.
• 11% decline in shootings over the same period.
• Mayor expressed confidence in the police department’s capabilities and preferred local solutions.
• National Guard deployment is not anticipated imminently.

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Additional Resources

• Shreveport Times: Arceneaux’s Comments on National Guard Deployment
• Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
• Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Mayor’s Crime Solutions
• Google Search: Shreveport Crime Reduction 2025
• KSLA: Governor Landry on National Guard Help
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• Reuters: Residents Oppose Trump’s Troop Plan
• Google News: Shreveport Crime National Guard

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.