August 17, 2025

Political Leaders Respond to Gavin Newsom’s Comments on Shreveport Crime

News Summary

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his remarks on Shreveport’s crime rate, which he claimed is alarmingly high. Johnson argues that Newsom should focus on crime issues in California instead of spreading a false narrative about Shreveport. Both leaders defend progress made in the city, highlighting a significant drop in violent crime. This controversy raises questions about federal support for cities facing crime challenges and underscores the ongoing political discourse on public safety.

Shreveport

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his recent comments regarding Shreveport’s crime rate, which he described as alarmingly high during an interview. Newsom highlighted that Shreveport’s murder rate is “six times plus” that of San Francisco, raising questions about federal support for the city compared to his actions in other urban areas.

In response, Johnson emphasized that Newsom should direct his focus toward resolving crime issues in California rather than making national assessments that he considers to be misleading. He contended that Newsom’s remarks contribute to a “false narrative” about Shreveport while accusing Democrats of creating crime crises via policies that reportedly include defunding the police. He also pointed out that significant portions of Shreveport are represented by Democratic U.S. Representative Cleo Fields.

Governor Landry and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux also defended the progress being made in their city. They noted that violent crime statistics have seen a marked decline in recent years. Specifically, Landry reported a 40% decrease in homicides, arguing this indicates a trend of improving public safety and inviting scrutiny of Newsom’s claims. Mayor Arceneaux expressed concerns that such comments could misrepresent Shreveport to both residents and potential investors, fearing it could distort the city’s image.

As part of their efforts to enhance safety, city officials highlighted that Shreveport has made significant investments in policing and technological advancements aimed at improving public safety outcomes. These initiatives are set against a national backdrop where studies indicate some crime rates across the United States have been declining since 2022, suggesting a more complex and varied landscape of crime in different regions.

The ongoing tension between Democratic and Republican leaders, particularly regarding crime policies and federal interventions, continues to fuel discussions on public safety. Johnson’s remarks about Newsom implied that the governor has a history of protecting violent criminals and illegal immigrants. These exchanges underscore the complex political narratives surrounding solutions to crime and public safety challenges in American cities, emphasizing the broader implications of local crime rates on national discourse.

This controversy comes at a time when crime remains a pivotal issue for many American cities, with policymakers from both sides of the aisle seeking ways to address these challenges. As leaders in Shreveport work to improve community safety, they remain mindful of the potential impact of outside criticism on both local morale and economic interest. The dialogue surrounding these issues illustrates the intersection of local governance and national political narratives.

In summary, the critique of Shreveport’s crime rates by Newsom has not only prompted strong responses from state leaders but also highlights the intense national scrutiny on crime-related policies. As discussions about crime and safety continue, the impacts of these dialogues will likely resonate within Shreveport and beyond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Shreveport Officials Defend Crime Rates Amid Criticism
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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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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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