Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry speaking at press conference. (USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
He also says manpower shortages have been compounded by hurricanes and other natural disasters, causing the already thin police force to be stretched to its breaking point.
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," according to Landry.
The additional Guard support is expected to "supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas, provide logistical and communication support, and secure critical infrastructure."
Under Title 32 authority, they would patrol high-crime neighborhoods, bolster police presence in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport, while securing critical infrastructure.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will decide whether the support is necessary. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )
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Although not everyone is on board, as local officials in Shreveport and New Orleans have voiced concerns, Landry insists the crisis demands urgent action.
His request is now in Washington, leaving the fight over Louisiana’s safety in the hands of Hegseth, who will decide whether the support is necessary.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/louisiana-governor-requests-1000-national-guard-troops-fight-violent-crime-wave-across-state