Jeff Landry says he has formally requested federal assistance (RFA) to activate up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard personnel under Title 32. 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." DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH AUTHORIZES 2,000 NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO CARRY WEAPONS IN DC IF NECESSARY: US OFFICIALIn the past, deployments of the National Guard have proven effective, Landry said, pointing to a 50% drop in crime during Mardi Gras and other major events earlier this year. Compared to the U.S. average, the violent crime rate in 2024 in Louisiana was 44.8% higher, and its rate of property crime was 30.5% higher.