News Summary
Shreveport’s leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor Jeff Landry, respond to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s disparaging remarks about the city’s crime rates. They assert that Newsom’s comments are misleading and focused on local improvements, including a significant reduction in homicides this year. Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasizes the city’s progress in public safety and criticizes external critiques based on incomplete information. The debate highlights the ongoing national discussion about crime and governance.
Shreveport Leaders Respond to Criticism from California Governor
Shreveport, Louisiana — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry are voicing strong disapproval of comments made by California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding Shreveport’s crime rate. In a recent interview, Newsom referred to Shreveport as an example of crime chaos while criticizing President Trump’s handling of crime in Washington, D.C.
During the interview, Newsom claimed that the murder rate in Shreveport is over six times higher per capita than in San Francisco, a city represented by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He questioned why the Trump administration does not take action to protect residents of Shreveport from violence. This statement has elicited a rapid and robust response from Louisiana’s leaders, indicating that they believe Newsom’s portrayal of their city is both misleading and unfounded.
Johnson has posited that Newsom should focus on addressing the myriad of issues facing California, rather than critiquing other states. He characterized Newsom’s remarks as a creation of a “false narrative,” asserting that the governor has been ineffective in managing “disastrous, far-left policies” that have adversely affected safety in California. This sentiment was echoed by Landry, who pushed back against Newsom’s claims and asserted a need to avoid importing California’s problems into Louisiana.
Shreveport has seen a notable decline in its homicide rate this year, with recent statistics showing a decrease of 40% in homicides compared to the previous year. In 2022, there were 39 criminal homicides reported during the same timeframe, whereas this year, the number stands at only 24. Landry emphasized that such positive trends in crime rates should not be overshadowed by out-of-state critiques.
Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux also dismissed Newsom’s assessment, highlighting the city’s improvement in public safety and crime statistics. He indicated that Shreveport is no longer among the most dangerous cities in the United States, attributing significant progress to local law enforcement efforts and community initiatives. Arceneaux underscored that the city has worked diligently to address past issues related to crime.
Cpl. Chris Bordelon of the Shreveport Police Department expressed concern regarding Newsom’s comments, finding them offensive to the city’s residents. He pointed out the importance of focusing on local concerns rather than being drawn into narratives rooted in the challenges of another state’s governance.
Mayor Arceneaux further speculated that Governor Newsom has likely never visited Shreveport, which raises questions about the basis for his opinions on the city’s crime situation. Local leaders deem it essential for officials to base their assessments on firsthand experience and accurate data, rather than making generalized claims that may not reflect the current reality on the ground.
As the discussion continues, USAToday is reaching out to Democratic U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, who represents a significant portion of Shreveport, for additional insights on the matter. The responses from Louisiana officials emphasize a collective commitment to improve the city’s image and safety, as well as maintaining a focus on local success stories despite external criticisms.
This exchange places a spotlight on the broader national conversation regarding crime rates, governance, and how local communities are responding to challenges. With Shreveport’s leaders standing firm in defending the progress made in their city, the narrative around crime and safety will remain a key talking point in political discussions moving forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Political Leaders Respond to Gavin Newsom’s Comments on Shreveport Crime
Louisiana Officials Push Back Against Newsom’s Crime Claims
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times
- KTBS
- KSLA
- KPEL 96.5
- KTAL News
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Shreveport Louisiana crime rate
- Google Scholar: Shreveport crime statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Shreveport crime news
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.
