Shreveport, Louisiana, August 21, 2025
News Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom has drawn criticism from Louisiana leaders after he claimed during a podcast that Shreveport has a murder rate significantly higher than San Francisco. Local officials, including Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, refuted Newsom’s claims, emphasizing a 40% drop in homicides in Shreveport this year. They argue that Newsom should focus on California’s issues rather than criticizing other states. This incident highlights ongoing political tensions and debates about crime and public safety management across the United States.
Shreveport, Louisiana – California Governor Gavin Newsom has come under significant criticism from Louisiana leaders following remarks he made during a podcast interview, where he referred to Shreveport as an example of crime chaos in comparison to San Francisco. Newsom’s assertion that Shreveport’s murder rate is “six times plus the per capita” of San Francisco has ignited a backlash from local officials who dispute his claims regarding crime in the city.
In the interview, Newsom suggested that President Trump should address the crime problem in Shreveport, indicating that it is a concern that deserves presidential attention. This remark was not well received by local leaders, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, who stated that Newsom should concentrate on improving conditions in California rather than commenting on crime in Shreveport. Johnson has indicated that Democratic policies, such as defunding the police, have worsened crime rates across America, implying that external commentary without a constructive outcome is unhelpful.
Further response came from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who refuted Newsom’s alarming claims about crime in Shreveport. Governor Landry highlighted a significant decrease in homicides within the city, reporting a 40% drop this year alone, insisting that crime rates are indeed on the decline. He emphasized that Newsom’s own track record in California raises questions about his authority on crime matters outside his state. Landry believes that Newsom’s influence should not extend to misleading narratives about other regions.
Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux echoed this sentiment, challenging Newsom’s assessment and stating that the city’s safety has improved, noting that it no longer ranks among the most dangerous cities in America. Arceneaux attributed this positive change to ongoing investments in law enforcement and advancements in police technology, which have played a crucial role in enhancing public safety.
City Councilman Jim Taliaferro also expressed concern regarding the accuracy of Newsom’s portrayal of Shreveport’s crime situation, accusing him of relying on outdated data and failing to acknowledge the city’s progress. Meanwhile, the Shreveport Police Chief reported a comprehensive decline across all major crime categories, specifically noting reductions in homicides and shootings over recent years.
Recent statistics reveal that Shreveport recorded 25 homicides in 2025 compared to 53 in 2024. In contrast, San Francisco, according to the same metrics, reported 15 homicides in 2025 and 35 in 2024. The comments made by Newsom and the subsequent responses from Shreveport’s leaders are occurring against the backdrop of a larger national trend, where crime rates have generally been declining since 2022, countering the narrative that crime has escalated to crisis levels in the aforementioned cities. This ongoing discourse fits into broader debates in the United States regarding crime, policing, and public safety governance.
Background Information
The comments made by the California Governor highlight persistent political tensions between states and can fuel ongoing debates about crime management at both the state and national levels. Shreveport’s leaders stress that their city’s improvement should be reflected in public perspectives and discourse, particularly when let by figures from other states. As crime and safety become points of contention in political discussions, the significance of accurate and current information rises to the forefront of community concerns.
FAQ
What did Governor Gavin Newsom say about Shreveport’s crime rates?
Governor Newsom claimed that Shreveport has a murder rate that is more than six times that of San Francisco during a podcast interview.
What was the response from Louisiana leaders to Newsom’s remarks?
Louisiana leaders, including Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, disputed Newsom’s claims. They highlighted a significant decrease in crime rates in Shreveport and criticized Newsom for focusing on another state’s issues instead of addressing problems in California.
What statistics support the claim that crime is decreasing in Shreveport?
Statistics reported indicate that Shreveport saw a 40% reduction in homicides this year, with 25 homicides recorded in 2025 compared to 53 in 2024, contradicting Newsom’s assertion of a crime crisis.
How has Shreveport addressed crime levels in the city?
Shreveport officials have pointed to ongoing investments in police and technology as crucial factors in improving public safety and lowering crime rates in recent years.
What is the national context regarding crime rates?
Crime rates in the United States have generally been declining since 2022, suggesting that concerns about crime may not be as severe as portrayed by some political figures.
Key Features
- Criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom’s remarks on Shreveport’s crime rates
- Local leaders dispute Newsom’s claims, emphasizing crime reduction in Shreveport
- Reported 40% decrease in homicides in Shreveport this year
- Background on ongoing crime rate discussions in America
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Mike Johnson and Jeff Landry Blast Gavin Newsom
- KSLA: Gavin Newsom Calls Out Shreveport Over Murder Rate
- KTAL News: Newsom Calls Out Trump and Johnson Over Homicide Rate
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Why is California’s Governor Talking About Crime in Shreveport?
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
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.
