Governor Jeff Landry Requests 1,000 National Guard Troops to Combat Louisiana's Crime Crisis

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has made a historic request to the federal government, asking for approval to deploy up to 1,000 National Guard personnel across the state to address what he calls an "elevated violent crime crisis" affecting major urban centers including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport.

Breaking Down Governor Landry's Federal Request

On Monday evening, during an appearance on Fox News' "Hannity" show, Governor Landry announced that he had officially submitted a Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This unprecedented move seeks to activate Louisiana National Guard troops under Title 32 authority through the end of fiscal year 2026.

The governor's letter specifically cites "a convergence of elevated violent crime rates in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans coupled with critical personnel shortages within local law enforcement." According to Landry, these manpower shortages have severely limited law enforcement's ability to effectively address public safety threats, with incidents of homicide, carjacking, and gang-related violence significantly exceeding national averages.

Mission Scope and Deployment Strategy

Under Landry's proposed plan, National Guard members would be deployed throughout Louisiana's urban centers with a comprehensive mission that includes:

• Supporting law enforcement presence in high-crime areas
• Providing logistical and communications support to local police departments
• Securing critical infrastructure across the state
• Conducting community outreach to ensure transparency and maintain public trust

The governor emphasized that "all operations will adhere to established rules for use of force and prioritize community outreach," addressing potential concerns about military deployment in civilian areas.

Louisiana's Crime Statistics: The Numbers Behind the Request

Louisiana consistently ranks among the nation's most dangerous states. According to USA Facts data, Louisiana recorded 520 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2024, representing a 44.8% higher rate than the national average. Property crimes also exceeded national standards by 30.5%, with 2,296 incidents per 100,000 residents.

However, recent data shows encouraging trends in some areas. In New Orleans specifically, violent crime has decreased in most categories through 2025, with homicides and carjackings down more than 30% from the previous year. Baton Rouge has seen a 19% reduction in homicides within city limits, while Shreveport reported decreases in homicides (29%), non-fatal shootings (23%), and armed robberies (17%).

Trump Administration's Support and Precedent

Governor Landry's request aligns with President Trump's broader national security strategy, which has included deploying National Guard troops to various cities across the United States. The Trump administration has already supported similar deployments in Washington D.C., Memphis, Tennessee, and California.

Landry specifically referenced the "successful model" of military deployment in Washington D.C. and Memphis, noting that Louisiana had previously committed 135 National Guard members to support Trump's takeover of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

Previous National Guard Success Stories

The governor pointed to successful National Guard deployments in Louisiana's recent history, including their response to the January 1st Bourbon Street terror attack and their continued presence through Super Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations. During these events, crime rates dropped by approximately 50%, demonstrating the effectiveness of additional security presence.

Louisiana has also contributed to interstate security efforts, sending 150 Guard troops to Texas in 2024 to support Governor Greg Abbott's border enforcement mission.

Local Response and Community Concerns

While Governor Landry maintains strong support for the deployment, some local officials in targeted cities have expressed concerns about military presence in civilian areas. The governor addresses these concerns by emphasizing the Guard's role in supporting, not replacing, local law enforcement.

"Since taking office, we have made real progress in driving down crime across Louisiana—but the job is far from finished," Landry stated. "Federal partnerships in our toughest cities have worked, and now, with the support of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we are taking the next step by bringing in the National Guard."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long would the National Guard deployment last?

Governor Landry has requested federal assistance through the end of fiscal year 2026, which ends on September 30, 2026, making this a yearlong deployment.

What authority would National Guard troops have?

Under Title 32 authority, National Guard members would support local law enforcement but would not have independent arrest powers unless specifically requested by local police departments.

Which cities would be affected by this deployment?

The primary focus areas are New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, though troops could be deployed to other urban centers across Louisiana as needed.

How much will this deployment cost?

Specific cost estimates have not been publicly released, but federal assistance would help offset expenses that would otherwise fall on Louisiana's state budget.

What Happens Next?

The decision now rests with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who will evaluate the request based on available resources, strategic priorities, and the demonstrated need for federal assistance. Given the Trump administration's support for similar deployments and Landry's strong relationship with federal leadership, approval appears likely.

This deployment would represent one of the largest domestic National Guard activations for crime suppression in Louisiana's recent history, potentially serving as a model for other states facing similar public safety challenges.

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