News Summary
Local officials in Shreveport, Louisiana, have responded to criticisms from California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the city’s crime rate. Newsom’s comparison to San Francisco’s statistics ignited a debate among Louisiana leaders, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who defended the city’s improvements in crime rates. Shreveport’s leaders highlighted a significant drop in violent crime and a reduced homicide rate, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of crime dynamics. They aim to dispel negative perceptions and engage proactively in crime management discussions.
Shreveport – Local officials in Shreveport, Louisiana, have defended the city’s crime rate following criticisms from California Governor Gavin Newsom during a recent podcast interview. Newsom compared Shreveport’s crime statistics unfavorably to those of San Francisco, claiming that Shreveport has over six times the per capita murder rate of the larger California city.
In his remarks, Governor Newsom suggested that President Trump should concentrate on the crime levels in Shreveport rather than imposing a federal law enforcement crackdown in Washington, D.C. This sparked a wave of responses from various Louisiana officials, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who firmly urged Newsom to focus on pressing issues in California instead of making criticisms of other states.
Johnson characterized Newsom’s comments as an attempt to subvert state laws and remarked that Democratic policies have been contributing factors to increases in crime rates across the nation. He asserted that those advocating for crime management should not expect to be lectured by Newsom, whom he accused of shielding violent criminals and illegal immigrants.
In response to Newsom’s comments, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux disputed claims about the city’s crime rates. Both leaders highlighted a significant decline in violent crime in Shreveport. Governor Landry reported that homicides in the city have decreased by 40% in 2025, underscoring the ongoing improvements in crime rates. Additionally, Mayor Arceneaux noted that Shreveport is no longer ranked among the top ten most dangerous cities, as it had been in previous years, attributing to this change investments in police and crime-fighting technology.
Supporting these statements, recent statistics indicate that Shreveport has experienced a 35% reduction in homicides within the current year. The city’s police department has also reported a murder clearance rate of 64%, demonstrating their commitment to resolving homicide cases effectively.
Shreveport has a population of approximately 200,000, compared to nearly 1 million residents in San Francisco, which complicates a direct comparison of crime statistics. Local leaders believe this difference highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of crime dynamics within different city contexts.
The backlash against Newsom’s comments reflects a broader effort from local officials to reshape the narrative regarding crime in their city. With rising discussions about national law enforcement policies, including Trump’s calls for federal action in cities grappling with high crime rates, the topics surrounding crime management are at the forefront of political dialogue.
Mayor Arceneaux expressed that he would be open to dialogue with President Trump regarding potential assistance for Shreveport’s crime challenges, should he decide to reach out. The conversation among local officials indicates a proactive approach toward improving public safety and addressing crime issues, rather than engaging in inter-state dispute.
In summary, local leaders in Shreveport are actively working to counteract negative perceptions of the city’s crime environment by highlighting significant reductions in violent crime and emphasizing the importance of local efforts in addressing safety concerns. They are advocating for a focus on constructive solutions rather than divisive rhetoric that diverts attention from critical issues facing both local and national contexts.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Johnson and Landry Blast Newsom
- KSLA: Newsom Calls Out Shreveport
- KTAL News: Newsom Criticism Over Homicide Rate
- KTBS: Shreveport’s National Spotlight
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
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.
