New Orleans, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has initiated a request for up to 1,000 National Guard troops to be deployed in New Orleans to help curb rising crime rates. With a meeting scheduled among local law enforcement and the governor, the situation reflects an urgent response to spikes in violent crime, particularly homicides, while highlighting ongoing personnel shortages within the police force. Local officials express mixed reactions about the necessity and implications of the deployment.
New Orleans Governor Requests National Guard Deployment Amid Crime Concerns
New Orleans – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has requested the deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to assist in addressing rising crime concerns in New Orleans. The specifics of the troop deployment are still being finalized, with the first meeting regarding the deployment scheduled for this week among the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), the governor, and the National Guard.
NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick has emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, drawing on successful partnerships from past events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. Chief Kirkpatrick has stated that she seeks support from the National Guard without adopting a “takeover” mentality, focusing instead on enhancing public safety.
The governor’s call for National Guard assistance comes in response to what he described as an escalating crime problem in the city, particularly highlighting challenges such as personnel shortages within local law enforcement. The request for deployment also includes provisions for potential support in Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Landry has submitted a request for federal assistance to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as part of this initiative.
In recent weeks, New Orleans has seen an uptick in violent crime, specifically homicides. However, despite this increase, overall crime rates in the city remain lower than they were the previous year. Statistics indicate that New Orleans had 84 homicides in 2025, a reduction from 124 homicides recorded in 2024.
Governor Landry has pointed to the effectiveness of past National Guard deployments, citing a notable 50% decrease in crime rates during Mardi Gras as an example. However, some local officials in Shreveport and New Orleans are expressing concerns about the deployment, raising questions about its necessity and potential implications on community policing.
According to recent data, Louisiana is consistently ranked among the most dangerous states in the U.S., with exceptionally high rates of violent and property crimes. In 2024, Louisiana recorded 520 violent crimes and 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 people, significantly above the national average. Landry has stated that despite the decrease in homicide rates, the state continues to face elevated crime rates and critical shortages in law enforcement personnel.
The upcoming discussions regarding the National Guard deployment are expected to address logistical details and establish a clear plan for coordination between the National Guard and local law enforcement agencies, aimed at enhancing public safety in New Orleans and possibly extending to other cities facing similar challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Governor Jeff Landry request?
Governor Jeff Landry has requested deployment of up to 1,000 National Guard troops to be sent to Louisiana.
Why is National Guard deployment being considered?
The deployment is in response to what the governor describes as a crime problem in the city, particularly due to personnel shortages in local law enforcement and rising crime rates, especially homicides and gang violence.
Where will the troops be deployed?
The specifics of the troop deployment in New Orleans are still being determined, but troops may also be deployed in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
What has Chief Kirkpatrick stated about the involvement of the National Guard?
Chief Kirkpatrick emphasizes a collaborative approach and does not want a “takeover” attitude from the National Guard but seeks support for public safety.
What have recent crime statistics in New Orleans shown?
Despite an uptick in violent crime, overall crime rates in New Orleans are reported to be lower than the previous year. Preliminary figures show a decrease in homicides, with 84 homicides in 2025 compared to 124 in 2024.
What do crime statistics indicate about Louisiana’s safety?
In 2024, Louisiana had 520 violent crimes and 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average.
Key Features of the National Guard Deployment Request
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Requesting Authority | Governor Jeff Landry |
| Troop Deployment | Up to 1,000 National Guard troops |
| Initial Meeting | This week among NOPD, the governor, and the National Guard |
| Crime Context | Addressing rising crime, particularly homicides and personnel shortages |
| Past Success | 50% drop in crime during Mardi Gras due to National Guard presence |
| Locations for Troops | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport |
| Crime Statistics | 520 violent crimes and 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 people in Louisiana (2024) |
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: National Guard Deployment Plans
- Fox News: Louisiana Governor Requests National Guard Troops
- Washington Post: Louisiana National Guard Update
- AP News: Louisiana Governor’s Crime Strategy
- New York Times: Jeff Landry and the National Guard
- Wikipedia: National Guard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Google Search: National Guard Louisiana crime
- Google News: National Guard crime Louisiana
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