Shreveport, LA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport faces criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom over its homicide rate, which he claims is significantly higher than that of San Francisco. Newsom’s comments come amidst a national dialogue on crime and target President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, who rebutted the claims by highlighting recent improvements in Shreveport’s crime statistics. Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasizes the city’s progress in reducing violent crime and improving public safety, stirring a political debate over crime policy in the U.S.
Shreveport Faces Political Scrutiny from California Governor Over Crime Rate
Shreveport, Louisiana, is under fire from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who recently pointed to the city’s homicide rate amid a national political conversation on crime. Notably, Newsom claimed in a podcast and subsequent social media post that Shreveport has a murder rate six times higher than that of San Francisco. He directed these comments toward President Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a native of Shreveport.
In his statements, Newsom suggested that if Trump is genuinely concerned about crime, he should focus on Shreveport. He criticized the federal law enforcement approach, asserting that it fails to address high crime rates in Republican-dominated states. Newsom highlighted that eight of the ten states with the highest murder rates are red states, drawing attention to a growing partisan divide over crime prevention methods.
Contrary to Newsom’s claims, Shreveport has seen significant improvements in its homicide statistics in recent years. According to local authorities, the number of criminal homicides has decreased from 39 at the same point last year to 24 this year, marking a decline of over 40%. Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have acknowledged the reduction, citing efforts from law enforcement to remove over 3,000 guns from the streets over the past three years as a contributing factor.
Mayor Arceneaux has pushed back against Newsom’s portrayal of Shreveport, emphasizing that the city has been making strides in reducing violent crime. He contends that the governor is misinformed regarding the positive developments and investments in police resources that are yielding results in Shreveport.
The ongoing debate comes at a time when national homicide rates are experiencing a decrease, based on federal data trends since 2022. This context amplifies the scrutiny of Newsom’s comments, which play into broader concerns regarding crime control strategies between liberal- and conservative-led states.
Speaker Mike Johnson responded aggressively to Newsom’s remarks, labeling the California governor’s comments as unwelcome interference in Louisiana’s affairs. Johnson advised that Newsom should redirect his focus to resolving the challenges within California, suggesting that the state has its own pressing issues to manage.
This exchange exemplifies the increasing tensions surrounding crime policy in the U.S., which often aligns with political affiliations. As cities like Shreveport continue to evolve, the conversation surrounding crime, safety, and governance remains a contentious point in both state and national dialogues.
Key Crime Statistics in Shreveport
- Homicide Rate Decline: 40% reduction in homicides this year.
- Current Homicide Count: 24 homicides compared to 39 the previous year.
- Gun Removals: Over 3,000 guns taken off the streets in three years.
- Political Context: Eight of the ten states with the highest murder rates are led by Republican governors.
Background on Crime Politics in the U.S.
Crime policy continues to play a significant role in the political arena, as differing approaches between red and blue states lead to contrasting narratives regarding safety and law enforcement. As various regions across the country tackle their crime issues, the alignment of political beliefs often colors public perception and responses to violent crime statistics.
FAQ
What sparked Governor Newsom’s comments about Shreveport?
How has Shreveport’s crime rate changed recently?
What actions have local officials taken to reduce crime?
Why do political tensions exist over crime policy?
Chart: Key Crime Features in Shreveport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 2023 Homicides | 24 |
| Homicides Last Year | 39 |
| Percentage Decrease | 40% |
| Guns Removed | 3,000+ |
| Political Parties | Red States vs. Blue States |
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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.
