Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has asked the Department of War to activate the National Guard in Louisiana, saying that his state needs help fighting crime.
In a Sept. 29 letter, Landry, a Republican, requested assistance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to activate up to 1,000 troops through fiscal 2026.
The troops would “support state and federal law enforcement agencies in addressing ongoing public safety concerns regarding high crime rates” throughout Louisiana, Landry wrote. Landry requested the troops under Title 32, which means that he retains command and control; however, the troops’ duties are federally funded and regulated.
In his request, Landry said there have been “elevated violent crime rates” in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, as well as shortages in local law enforcement. He said the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters made the issue more challenging, as public safety resources are strained, and that extra support would be especially helpful for significant events, including Mardi Gras and college football bowl games….