News Summary
U.S. House Representative Max Miller has proposed deploying the Ohio National Guard to Cleveland to combat rising crime rates. Concerned suburban residents feel unsafe visiting the city, and local businesses are affected as a result. Miller emphasizes the need for safety, referencing alarming homicide statistics. While he calls for state assistance, local officials express differing views on handling the situation, with Governor Mike DeWine favoring police-led solutions. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of urban crime and safety measures in Cleveland.
Cleveland – U.S. House Representative Max Miller (R-OH-7) has called for the deployment of the Ohio National Guard in Cleveland to address escalating crime rates. This proposal comes amid rising concerns from suburban residents who feel endangered when visiting the city. Miller, representing Ohio’s 7th congressional district, which does not encompass Cleveland, argues that the safety of Cleveland residents must be prioritized.
Miller expressed that constituents from surrounding areas are increasingly reluctant to visit the city due to fears of violence, resulting in local small businesses taking measures such as boarding up their storefronts. He emphasized that Cleveland residents “deserve to feel safe again” and referenced alarming crime statistics that show a total of 46 homicides in the first half of the year. Miller criticized the current state of the city, claiming it has become “unrecognizable” and stated that the safety of citizens is the government’s primary responsibility.
The congressman has drawn comparisons between Cleveland and Washington D.C., where President Trump previously ordered the National Guard to be deployed to mitigate crime levels and enhance public safety. In light of this context, Miller is urging Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to authorize the National Guard’s assistance, deeming it a temporary measure necessary for restoring public order.
However, Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for Governor DeWine, pointed out that in Ohio, it is typically the responsibility of local mayors to request National Guard support, thereby underscoring the principles of home rule. The Cleveland administration has indicated that their crime reduction strategies prioritize collaborative efforts with local law enforcement and the successful implementation of federal operations aimed at apprehending fugitives and seizing illegal weapons.
Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), who directly represents Cleveland, has criticized Miller’s proposal as unnecessary and potentially harmful. She argues that reports indicate a decline in crime and that funds should be allocated to violence prevention initiatives rather than sending in the National Guard, which she believes may jeopardize local policing efforts. Furthermore, Governor DeWine has expressed that he does not see the need for deploying the National Guard to tackle crime in Cleveland, preferring to focus on police-led solutions instead.
As a backdrop to this debate, it is noteworthy that Congressman Miller has faced his share of controversies, including an incident in June 2024 involving a road rage confrontation with a medical professional. These personal issues have raised questions about his ability to address public safety effectively.
This localized discussion about the deployment of the National Guard reflects broader national concerns regarding crime prevention. In an instance unrelated to Cleveland, it is reported that President Trump recently signed an order deploying National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crime levels there.
As the conversation around crime and safety in Cleveland continues, Miller’s proposal and the varied responses from state and local officials illustrate the complexities of addressing urban crime and the different perspectives on how best to ensure public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Man Convicted of Serial Rape and Kidnapping
Emergency Declaration Expires as National Guard Decisions Loom
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
