News Summary
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has dismissed the idea of deploying federal troops in response to crime, advocating for local law enforcement and community strategies instead. Governor Wes Moore echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for increased federal funding for violence prevention programs rather than military intervention. Recent police data shows a decline in crime rates, supporting the effectiveness of local strategies. Baltimore leaders are united in opposing military presence, stressing that community engagement is key to public safety.
Baltimore – Mayor Brandon Scott has firmly rejected the notion of deploying federal troops to Baltimore in response to crime concerns after former President Donald Trump suggested sending the National Guard to restore order. During an interview with CNN, Scott emphasized that the city’s public safety strategies should rely on local law enforcement and community-based initiatives rather than federal military presence.
Scott’s statements were echoed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who also stated that Baltimore does not require National Guard assistance to maintain peace and security. Both officials argued that increased federal funding for local anti-violence programs would more effectively enhance the city’s safety than deploying military forces.
Recent data from the Baltimore Police Department indicates a continuing positive trend in crime reduction within the city. Homicides and non-fatal shootings have seen a significant decline over the past three years. The latest statistics reveal a 29% decrease in homicides, a 21% reduction in non-fatal shootings, a 30% decline in carjackings, and a 32% drop in vehicle thefts compared to the previous year. Despite Baltimore being recognized for having the third-highest rate of violent crime in the United States in 2022, the city is currently experiencing its lowest homicide rate in 50 years.
Mayor Scott noted that while Baltimore faces challenges with violent crime, the downward trend in gun violence demonstrates that strategies focused on local law enforcement and community engagement are proving effective. Scott expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of military intervention, stating that historical evidence does not support this approach.
In correspondence to Governor Moore, Trump labeled the crime situation in Baltimore as a “crime disaster” and previously characterized the city as a “hellhole.” He declined an invitation to visit the city but demanded that local leaders take responsibility for addressing the crime issues. Governor Moore condemned Trump’s remarks, labeling them as disparaging towards Baltimore and its residents.
While Scott and Moore are in agreement that the National Guard’s presence is unnecessary, they are also prepared to take legal action if federal intervention were to be attempted. The mayor emphasized the importance of local strategies aimed at reducing crime rather than relying on military forces.
Discussions surrounding the National Guard have prompted mixed responses from Baltimore residents. Some express concern that deploying troops could unfairly target minority communities and escalate tensions, while others believe that the Guard could provide essential support in combatting rising crime rates.
As of last week, over 2,200 National Guardsmen were stationed in Washington, D.C., as part of measures implemented by Republican governors. However, a recent ruling deemed Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles as unlawful, raising questions about the legitimacy of potential deployments elsewhere.
Amid these developments, Mayor Scott has urged the federal government to reverse cuts to funding that support violence prevention programs in Baltimore. He highlighted the need for federal assistance in banning ghost guns—untraceable firearms that have become increasingly prevalent in crime. Scott believes that restoring funding and implementing stricter gun regulations would bolster the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce violence.
In conclusion, Baltimore’s leaders are advocating for local solutions to the city’s crime issues. They stress the importance of enhanced community-policing strategies and investing in social programs as effective methods for improving public safety, rather than resorting to federal troop deployments.
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Additional Resources
- CNN
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
- CBS News
- Google Search: Baltimore Crime Trump Scott Moore
- Capital Gazette
- Google Scholar: Baltimore National Guard Crime
- AFRO
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore National Guard
- Beaumont Enterprise
- Google News: Baltimore Mayor Trump National Guard
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
