News Summary
Shreveport, Louisiana has witnessed a staggering increase in homicide rates, with a 58% rise in 2023. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized local law enforcement’s effectiveness, emphasizing that Shreveport’s homicide rate is significantly higher than San Francisco’s. Despite the increase in violent crime, local police report some positive trends in other crime categories. New strategies, including advanced technologies, are being implemented to combat this growing issue. The national spotlight on Shreveport has intensified discussions about crime governance and law enforcement across the United States.
Shreveport, Louisiana Faces Rising Homicide Rates as Governor Newsom Critiques Local Law Enforcement
California Governor Gavin Newsom has brought national attention to Shreveport’s alarming homicide rates during a recent podcast interview, challenging both President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson over crime trends in the United States. Newsom emphasized that Shreveport’s homicide rate is six times greater than that of San Francisco, despite the cities being nearly 2,000 miles apart.
In a post on his social media account, Newsom highlighted the disparities in crime rates, pointing out that eight of the top ten states with high murder rates are governed by Republican leaders. His remarks were part of a discussion shared in a video clip from an interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, where he criticized Trump’s approach to federal law enforcement in urban areas.
Alarming Crime Statistics for Shreveport
Shreveport has experienced a staggering 58% increase in homicides in 2023, compared to the previous year. This surge has drawn significant concern from local authorities and the community alike. In total, the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) received approximately 160,750 service calls this year.
While the homicide rate has sharply increased, other crime statistics indicate some positive trends. Reports reveal a 7% decrease in forcible rapes and a 10% decline in robberies in 2023, suggesting that the local law enforcement may be making strides in specific areas. Overall, SPD arrested 6,667 individuals during this period, according to police data.
The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office has also been actively prosecuting crime, recording close to 2,000 felony convictions in 2023, many of which originated from cases initiated by the Shreveport Police Department.
Municipal Response and New Strategies
In response to the rising violence, the SPD is adopting new strategies for 2024, which include incorporating advanced technologies such as a Real Time Crime Center and drones to enhance their operational effectiveness. Chief Wayne Smith reported a notable rise in the removal of firearms from prohibited individuals, with over 500 seizures taking place in the first half of 2025.
Furthermore, there has been a 29% reduction in shots-fired incidents during the first half of 2025 compared to the same time frame the previous year, indicating an effort to combat gun violence in the community.
National Crime Trends and Legislative Context
On a national scale, homicide rates have been trending downward since reaching a peak in 2022, based on findings from the FBI. However, many urban areas, including Washington D.C., are still facing rising crime concerns. In light of these trends, Trump has proposed the idea of federal policing actions targeting cities with substantial crime issues such as Shreveport, Baltimore, and Oakland.
This push for federal oversight gained attention after a lawsuit was filed following a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C., which claimed the actions were illegal and an abuse of power. The Home Rule Act is relevant in this context, allowing federal control for a maximum of 30 days during emergencies, subject to congressional approval for extensions.
As Shreveport grapples with its ongoing crime challenges, Newsom’s remarks have intensified the spotlight on the city and its law enforcement responses, highlighting broader issues of crime and governance throughout the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Employee Charged After Throwing Sandwich at Officer
President Trump Intensifies Measures Against Homeless Encampments
Shreveport FedEx Driver Arrested for Theft
Armored Truck Driver Targeted in $700,000 Armed Robbery
Shreveport and Bossier City See Major Decline in Homelessness Rates
Mexico Extradites 26 Cartel Leaders to the U.S.
Sammy Gravano and Family Plead Guilty in Drug Operation
Man Arrested After Two-Day Manhunt in Texarkana
Tragic Loss of Advocate for Afghan Refugees in Houston
Chaos Erupts at the CDC Following Vaccine Misunderstandings
Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Newsom Calls Out Trump Over Shreveport Homicide Rate
- KSLA: Mayor and Police Respond to Newsom’s Remarks
- Shreveport Times: Homicide Rate Jumps 58% in 2023
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Homicides Continue Decline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
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.
