New Orleans Sees Crime Drop, But Is the National Guard the Reason?

Patrols by National Guard Begin Amidst Local Controversy

New Orleans has experienced a third consecutive year of declining violent crime rates, coinciding with the deployment of National Guard troops. The troops, dispatched by President Donald Trump, have sparked debate among local leaders.

Local Leaders' Stance

• Opposition to Deployment: Local officials had long opposed the idea, citing already decreasing crime rates. They also argued that the National Guard lacks crime-fighting training.
• Shift in Support: Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick now supports the troops, suggesting their presence may deter crime. She emphasized that credit for the decline is irrelevant.

National Guard's Role

• Deployment Details: Trump approved 350 National Guard members for Louisiana after Governor Jeff Landry requested assistance.
• Trump's Perspective: Trump claimed the Guard's presence contributed to lower crime rates, questioning why governors would reject help.
• Local Discrepancies: While Landry cited high crime rates, local officials pointed out that crime has been declining for years.

Crime Statistics

• Murders, Shootings, and Robberies have decreased since 2022.
• 2022: New Orleans had the highest murder rate per capita in the U.S.
• 2025: Murders dropped to 121, including 14 deaths from a New Year's Day attack.

Patrols and Future Plans

• Current Patrols: The National Guard is only patrolling the French Quarter.
• Expansion Request: Kirkpatrick wants troops in other crime hotspots, citing understaffed police forces.
• Mayor-Elect's Shift: Helena Moreno, initially opposed to the Guard, now welcomes their help during Mardi Gras.

Broader Crime Trends

Experts note that crime is declining in many U.S. cities, a trend starting post-COVID-19 pandemic. Is the National Guard truly the reason for New Orleans' drop, or is it part of a larger trend?