Shreveport, LA, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport city officials have refuted remarks made by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the city’s crime situation ‘carnage’. Councilman Jim Taliaferro highlighted recent data showing a 40% drop in homicides, while Mayor Tom Arceneaux defended the city’s efforts to improve safety. Local leaders stress that negative portrayals from external figures could undermine ongoing progress and economic investment opportunities in Shreveport.
Shreveport Officials Push Back Against Gavin Newsom’s Crime Comments, Assert City’s Improvement
Shreveport city officials have publicly contested recent remarks made by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described the city’s crime situation as “carnage” during a podcast. Newsom’s comments came in response to discussions surrounding national crime rates and President Trump’s policies. He specifically pointed out that Shreveport has a per capita murder rate six times higher than that of San Francisco, questioning why Trump has not addressed the issues in the Louisiana city.
Shreveport City Councilman Jim Taliaferro was quick to respond to Newsom’s assertions, claiming that the data used to support such statements was outdated and does not reflect the current status of crime in Shreveport. He emphasized a significant achievement reported by local officials: a 40% decrease in homicides over the previous years, attributing this decline to the concerted efforts of law enforcement and support from local government.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux also defended Shreveport in light of Newsom’s claims, noting that violent crime rates in the area have seen considerable improvement in 2024 and 2025. As of the current year, Shreveport has recorded 24 homicides, a stark contrast to 39 at the same point the previous year, showcasing the positive changes and downward trends in violent crime statistics.
Political leaders from Shreveport and Louisiana have criticized Newsom’s remarks, suggesting that he should focus on addressing crime issues in California instead. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled Newsom’s comments as hypocritical, pointing to rising crime rates in California that are a consequence of the state’s policies. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry echoed this sentiment, acknowledging challenges present in both regions but reaffirming that Shreveport’s crime rates are on the decline, as supported by the reported 40% drop in homicides.
Concerns Over Perception and Economic Impact
Mayor Arceneaux expressed concern that Newsom’s negative portrayal of Shreveport could harm the city’s image and deter potential investment opportunities. With the city making significant strides in improving safety and crime rates, officials are keen to combat any external narratives that may undermine the progress they have achieved.
The conflict arises amidst a broader context of rising critiques surrounding federal law enforcement actions in Washington D.C. and discussions about crime rates across various American cities, suggesting a national dialogue on the effectiveness of urban safety initiatives and the responsibility of state leaders in addressing these issues.
Conclusion
As Shreveport continues to work on enhancing its safety and reducing crime, city officials remain steadfast in addressing misleading narratives about their progress. They reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the downward trend in crime rates while striving to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
FAQ
What did Governor Gavin Newsom say about Shreveport?
Governor Gavin Newsom described Shreveport’s crime issue as “carnage” during a podcast, claiming the city’s murder rate is significantly higher than San Francisco’s.
How did Shreveport officials respond to Newsom’s comments?
Shreveport officials, including City Councilman Jim Taliaferro and Mayor Tom Arceneaux, criticized Newsom’s remarks as based on outdated information and highlighted the city’s recent reductions in homicide rates.
What improvements has Shreveport seen in crime rates?
Shreveport has experienced a 40% decline in homicides, with current figures showing 24 homicides this year, down from 39 at the same time last year.
What concerns did the Mayor express regarding Newsom’s portrayal of Shreveport?
The Mayor expressed concern that the negative portrayal by Newsom could harm the city’s image and discourage potential investments.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Newsom Claims Shreveport Faces Crime Carnage
- KTAL News: Newsom Calls Out Trump and Johnson Over Shreveport Homicide Rate
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Why is California’s Governor Talking About Crime in Shreveport?
- KSLA: Mayor and Police Dept Respond After Newsom’s Comments
- KTBS: Shreveport Officials Respond to California Governor’s Crime Jab
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.
