Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced the state’s readiness in anticipation of a potential deployment of National Guard troops to Philadelphia, following remarks from President Donald Trump. The governor expressed concerns about the president’s decision to redeploy the National Guard from state control to urban areas, specifically Los Angeles, stating, “Ever since the president made what I think is a wrong-headed decision… we have been preparing for such a thing to happen here in Philadelphia.”
During an event at Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School in north Philadelphia, Shapiro emphasized that while no immediate deployment has been confirmed, the state is taking precautions. He refrained from detailing specific preparations but highlighted the importance of maintaining public safety.
Trump, addressing the media on the situation, indicated his commitment to addressing violent crime in cities across the United States. He asserted, “This isn’t a political thing. I have an obligation. When 20 people are killed over the last two and a half weeks and 75 are shot with bullets,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
The president’s statements included plans for federal law enforcement to take action in other major cities, including Chicago and Baltimore, as part of his broader crime reduction strategy. He praised Mayor Muriel Bowser for cooperating with federal efforts to curb crime in Washington, D.C.
In a related development, a federal judge ruled that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law by deploying troops in Los Angeles to protect federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation. This ruling has contributed to Shapiro’s concerns about the implications of deploying the National Guard in Philadelphia.
As the former chief law enforcement officer of Pennsylvania, Shapiro outlined his commitment to community safety. He noted that the state has invested millions in policing and community organizations, leading to a reported decrease in violent crime by 42% since he took office. The Philadelphia Police Department has also reported an overall crime reduction of 5.61% in the city.
Shapiro cautioned against undermining the progress achieved in Pennsylvania, stating, “Now is not a time to disrupt that with distrust, the way the president is doing in other communities. Now is the time for us to continue making the progress we’re making here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
State officials have reported that violent crime is projected to decrease by 12% in 2024, further emphasizing the effectiveness of local efforts in combating crime. The governor’s office remains focused on community safety and maintaining the trust of Philadelphia residents amidst national tensions regarding law enforcement.