Governor Wes Moore affirms no deployment of the National Guard; White House and FOP issue their responses
In the wake of escalating civil unrest and rising crime rates, the stance of Maryland Governor Wes Moore on the deployment of the National Guard in Baltimore City has gained significant attention.
Following large demonstrations, some of which turned violent, following the deaths of Freddie Gray in Baltimore and George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody, Moore has made it clear that he opposes deploying the National Guard to combat crime in Baltimore City. He believes that the National Guard should be reserved for emergencies, not municipal policing.
This stance contrasts with that of the Baltimore Police Union, whose direct position is not explicitly detailed in the available information. However, the union, known for supporting increased policing measures, has not issued a direct statement regarding the deployment of the National Guard for crime control purposes.
The White House under President Trump has taken an opposing position, deploying National Guard personnel in urban areas like Washington, D.C., citing crime concerns. Trump has publicly criticized Moore and Baltimore while advocating for National Guard involvement in urban policing. Moore, in turn, has publicly criticized these actions and invited Trump for a public safety walk to demonstrate Maryland’s alternative crime reduction successes.
Crime statistics published by the Baltimore Police Department showed a double-digit decline in gun violence in 2024. Despite these improvements, Baltimore still ranks in the top three in the nation with the highest homicide rate. Residents of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., have expressed concerns about juvenile-driven violence, but juvenile crime statistics are not reported in the same way as adult crime data due to confidentiality laws.
The Baltimore Police Department currently has nearly 600 officer vacancies, raising concerns about the city's ability to maintain public safety. The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police president, Mike Mancuso, criticized Moore's comments as politically motivated and aligned with the Democrats.
In a recent poll, Moore's job performance rating has plunged to 50%. Maryland state Del. Mark Fisher suggested that Moore's national media appearances may be linked to the poll showing the governor's approval slipping.
The Democratic Governors Association dismissed the poll results as "silly". Moore has repeatedly said he's focused on Maryland rather than a potential presidential bid.
Notably, the White House deputy press secretary, Abigail Jackson, stated that public safety is not a political issue. D.C. Police Union chairman Greggory Pemberton expressed concern that assistance from the National Guard and other federal authorities is only temporary.
In summary, Governor Moore's position diverges from the White House and presumably the Baltimore Police Union, emphasizing targeted public safety strategies without militarized National Guard involvement. The future of Baltimore's public safety remains a pressing concern for its residents and law enforcement.
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