Citing alarming statistics, three North Carolina lawmakers have called on Democratic Governor Josh Stein to authorize the deployment of the National Guard in Charlotte. They argue that crime in the city has reached a concerning level. The lawmakers point to a shocking spike in homicides, revealing that Charlotte experienced eight killings in just seven days. This has driven the murder rate in uptown Charlotte to an alarming 200% increase compared to last year. Notably, the Fraternal Order of Police supports the lawmakers’ request, highlighting a rise in aggravated assaults from 86 incidents in 2024 to 111 in 2025, along with a slight increase in armed robberies.
Rep. Mark Harris, one of the letter’s authors, emphasized that this is a serious matter, stating, “This is not just my idea. This is the Fraternal Order of Police that had come, saying that they believed this is important and asking the governor and mayor to step up and do it.” The law enforcement community’s backing underscores the urgency of the situation, as crime impacts both residents and visitors alike.
The trio of lawmakers—Harris, Rep. Pat Harrigan, and Rep. Chuck Edwards—draw upon the recent actions by the Trump administration, which has deployed the National Guard in other cities, including Washington, D.C., and Memphis, to combat rising crime rates. They are using these deployments as a model. The letter notes, “Other cities have deployed the National Guard and seen positive results. In Washington, D.C., when President Trump deployed troops under his lawful authority, the city promptly saw a reduction in crime, including twelve consecutive days without a single homicide.” Such examples aim to bolster their argument for immediate action in Charlotte.
Rep. Steve Scalise, the House Republican Conference majority leader, echoed their concerns. He pointed out that “millions of Americans don’t feel safe in many once-great cities,” and praised the North Carolina lawmakers for their initiative. Scalise’s statement reflects a broader concern about safety in urban areas and the need for proactive measures.
The Charlotte Police Department’s quarterly report reveals a mixed picture of crime in the city. While violent crimes, such as commercial burglaries and larcenies from vehicles, have indeed risen from last year, some categories show a decrease. Homicides, rapes, property crimes, and arson are reportedly lower than in the previous year. Despite this, Harris believes that the crime levels could decrease further with greater law enforcement presence. He views the National Guard deployment as a temporary measure to support local police as they tackle crime.
Harris articulated his vision: “What I hope comes out of it is that in that time, the police are able to go after whoever these bad guys are, that are threatening this environment of crime. And then, at the end of the day, it’s going to create a hope, an outcry from the public that says, ‘We’re not going to accept our crime-ridden city anymore.’” This perspective suggests that a stronger law enforcement presence could not only stabilize the situation but also empower the community’s reaction against crime.
However, he also hinted at the need for deeper systemic changes. After the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee murdered on a Charlotte train, Harris pointed out significant flaws in the judicial system. He conveyed his frustration with how repeat offenders are treated, mentioning that the suspect in Zarutska’s case had been arrested 14 times before being released. “These are things that have a lot of issues to be addressed. That’s a judiciary issue,” he stated, conveying a need for comprehensive reforms beyond immediate law enforcement actions.
As calls for the National Guard’s aid continue, the response from Governor Stein remains uncertain. Past deployments in other states have often faced resistance, particularly from Democratic leaders. Harris expressed hope that Stein would consider the request, especially if the crime situation does not improve.
The ongoing dialogue around deploying the National Guard in Charlotte reveals deep-rooted concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies. It underscores the complexity of addressing urban crime and the varied opinions on the best courses of action. As lawmakers push for immediate measures, the conversation will likely continue to evolve, reflecting broader issues of safety, community trust, and judicial accountability in the face of rising violence.
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