Baltimore Leaders Denounce Federal Plans for City Policing Amidst Public Safety Gains

City and state officials in Baltimore have voiced strong opposition to the President’s stated intention to deploy the National Guard in cities, including Washington DC and possibly Baltimore, potentially taking over local police departments. A joint statement released by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Governor Wes Moore, and numerous other elected representatives from Baltimore City and the state of Maryland asserts that these federal plans are based on inaccurate depictions of their communities and represent an overreach of federal power.

The officials highlighted that Baltimore is currently experiencing a significant reduction in violence, with homicides down by 40% since 2021. They attributed these improvements to local strategies and community empowerment, rather than federal intervention. The statement contrasts these positive developments with what they describe as a rollback in funding for programs that have contributed to record-low crime rates under the current federal administration. They emphasize that effective violence reduction is achieved by supporting community partners, investing in youth, and collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute repeat offenders, not by federalizing troops to control urban areas. The leaders collectively affirmed their commitment to defending democracy, preventing federal overreach, and continuing to invest in public safety initiatives that enhance the safety of their residents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

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