Shreveport, LA, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A political dispute arises as California Governor Gavin Newsom claims Shreveport’s murder rate is six times higher than San Francisco’s. Local officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor Jeff Landry, defend the city’s progress, noting a significant decrease in homicides and improved public safety statistics. Mayor Tom Arceneaux expresses concerns that Newsom’s statements could negatively impact Shreveport’s reputation and its efforts to attract new residents and investors. The exchange highlights the complexities of crime statistics and local law enforcement strategies amidst ongoing political tensions.
Shreveport Officials Respond to Governor Newsom’s Crime Rate Claims
Shreveport, Louisiana, is at the center of a political dispute sparked by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent comments regarding crime rates in the city. Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s law enforcement strategies, highlighting Shreveport’s murder rate, claiming it is six times higher than that of San Francisco. This assertion has prompted responses from Louisiana officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor Jeff Landry, who defended Shreveport’s progress in public safety and crime reduction.
In recent discussions, Newsom questioned why President Trump has not addressed the crime issues in Shreveport, echoing his criticisms of Trump’s handling of law enforcement policies. In response, local leaders pointed out that Shreveport has made significant strides in lowering crime rates, particularly homicides, which have reportedly decreased by 40% this year.
Mike Johnson specifically criticized Newsom, asserting that blue states, like California, contribute to crime crises through what he describes as “radical policies.” Johnson emphasized that it is inappropriate for Newsom, who has been accused of failing to effectively manage crime in California, to lecture others about public safety.
Governor Jeff Landry joined the conversation, highlighting the improvements in Shreveport’s crime statistics. City officials reported only 24 homicides this year compared to 39 at the same point last year, indicating a substantial decline. Additionally, the Shreveport Police noted a drop in calls related to shots fired, from 950 to 634, further supporting claims of enhanced public safety.
Despite earlier designations that labeled Shreveport as one of America’s most dangerous cities in 2023, local leaders believe these numbers reflect a dedicated effort by community members and law enforcement to ensure greater safety. Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed concern that Newsom’s comments could lead to a negative perception of Shreveport, which could impact efforts to attract new residents and investors.
Furthermore, Arceneaux highlighted a murder clearance rate of around 64%, suggesting that the police are effectively solving crimes, which exemplifies the city’s commitment to improving safety. He also noted that Shreveport is no longer frequently mentioned among the most dangerous cities in America, showcasing the positive trend in crime reductions.
In a broader context, while both Shreveport and San Francisco have reported reductions in homicide rates, the political exchange continues to draw attention not only to the discrepancies in crime statistics but also to the local strategies deployed to combat crime. As the situation unfolds, Shreveport officials remain focused on their community-led initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and fostering growth.
FAQ
What did Governor Newsom say about Shreveport?
Governor Newsom claimed that Shreveport has a murder rate six times higher than San Francisco and criticized President Trump for not addressing the situation in Shreveport.
How did Shreveport officials respond to these claims?
Shreveport officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor Jeff Landry, emphasized improvements in the city’s crime rates, reporting a decrease in homicides by 40% this year compared to last year.
What recent statistics support Shreveport’s crime improvements?
Local authorities reported 24 homicides so far this year, down from 39 during the same time last year, along with a decline in shots-fired calls from 950 to 634.
What concerns did the Mayor express regarding Newsom’s remarks?
Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed concern that Newsom’s comments could harm perceptions of Shreveport, potentially affecting the city’s ability to attract new residents and businesses.
Key Features of the Situation in Shreveport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Rate Comparison | Newsom claimed Shreveport’s murder rate is six times higher than San Francisco’s. |
| Homicide Statistics | Shreveport saw a 40% decrease in homicides this year (24 compared to 39 last year). |
| Shots Fired Calls | Dropped from 950 last year to 634 this year. |
| Murder Clearance Rate | Reported at 64% in Shreveport. |
| Community Efforts | Local leaders credit community engagement and police technology for crime reduction. |
| Impact of Newsom’s Comments | Concerns raised about potential negative perception affecting Shreveport’s appeal to new residents and investors. |
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Arrests Made on Monkhouse Drive
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Shreveport Times: Johnson and Landry Respond to Newsom
- Google Search: Gavin Newsom Shreveport
- KTBS: Shreveport Officials Respond to Newsom
- Google Scholar: Crime Rates Shreveport
- KTAL: Newsom Calls Out Trump Over Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Statistics
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: California Governor on Shreveport Crime
- Google News: Shreveport Crime Rate
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.
