Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has asked the Pentagon to authorize up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard members to help local law enforcement tackle violent crime across the state. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Landry said Louisiana faces “a convergence of elevated violent crime rates in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans coupled with critical personnel shortages within 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, a Republican, said. “This mission is about saving lives and protecting families. To the criminals terrorizing our communities: your time is up. Law and order are back in Louisiana.”
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What would the Guard do?
The letter, obtained by outlets including the Louisiana Illuminator, said the Guard would deploy through the end of fiscal year 2026 under Title 32 authority. Members would “supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas, provide logistical and communications support, and secure critical infrastructure.”
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Prior Guard support during major events in Louisiana cut crime by 50% in early 2025, according to Gov. Jeff Landry.
Landry stressed that “all operations will adhere to established rules for use of force and prioritize community outreach, to ensure transparency and public trust.”
What challenges prompted the request?
Landry cited high homicide, carjacking and gang violence rates that “significantly exceed the national average.” He said those threats are compounded by natural disasters such as hurricanes that stretch police resources even further.
According to Fox News, Louisiana ranked among the most dangerous states in 2024, with violent crime 44.8% above the U.S. average. FBI statistics showed that Shreveport had the nation’s 10th-highest homicide rate in 2024, with 26.8 killings per 100,000 people.
What is the precedent?
Landry pointed to earlier Title 32 deployments in Washington, D.C., and Tennessee. He also noted past Louisiana missions during Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Francine, the 2025 Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. The governor’s office said Guard support during major events cut crime by 50% in early 2025.
The decision now rests with Hegseth, who will determine whether to approve the deployment.
