News Summary
U.S. Representative Max Miller has urged the deployment of the National Guard to tackle a rise in crime in Cleveland. Miller’s opinion piece highlights safety concerns for city residents and suburban constituents. While recent violent crime statistics paint a troubling picture, local leaders, including Cleveland Councilman Brian Kazy and Governor Mike DeWine, disagree with this approach, advocating for local law enforcement solutions. Amid contrasting views, the complexities of urban crime continue to spark debate on effective safety measures.
Cleveland Faces Calls for National Guard to Address Rising Crime
U.S. Representative Max Miller has urged for the deployment of the National Guard to Cleveland in light of growing concerns about crime in the city. In an opinion piece published recently, Miller voiced apprehension over safety issues affecting not just city residents but also suburban constituents who feel unsafe venturing into Cleveland. He described the current state of the city as “unrecognizable,” highlighting the fears experienced by families and small business owners.
Miller’s call for action comes after Cleveland faced significant incidents of violence, including a fatal shooting of a police officer last year and a recent shooting that occurred after a Browns game, which left five individuals injured. The statistics also paint a troubling picture of the city’s safety; in 2023 alone, Cleveland recorded 6,100 violent crimes and 46 homicides during the first half of the year.
Interestingly, Miller’s concerns echo the recent actions taken by President Trump, who announced the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis as part of a broader effort to combat urban crime. This announcement coincided with Miller’s essay, giving it a national context amid ongoing discussions about crime in urban areas.
However, not all local leaders agree with Miller’s assessment or proposed solutions. Cleveland Councilman Brian Kazy criticized Miller’s call for the National Guard, pointing out that Cleveland does not fall within Miller’s congressional district. Kazy argued that crime rates, including homicides, have actually decreased over recent years, citing a decline from 156 homicides in 2023 to 71 in the current year.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has also expressed disapproval of deploying the National Guard to tackle crime in Cleveland. He stated that Ohio has more effective methods at its disposal, through the highway patrol and state law enforcement agencies. DeWine emphasized a collaborative approach with local law enforcement rather than resorting to military intervention. This sentiment was echoed by Mayor Justin Bibb’s administration, which has touted successful partnerships with state and federal agencies that have reportedly led to a 13% reduction in violent crime and a 37% decrease in murders.
Contrary to claims of rising crime, evidence suggests a proactive response in Cleveland. In recent weeks, U.S. Marshals collaborated with local law enforcement to arrest over 130 fugitives and confiscate a significant stash of ammunition and illegal firearms. Mayor Bibb’s spokesperson affirmed that the discussion of involving the National Guard is not in line with current approaches to fighting crime in the city.
Moreover, Rep. Shontel Brown criticized Miller’s stance, asserting that it amounted to a political maneuver rather than a genuine solution to crime. Brown advocates for focusing resources towards violence prevention programs and addressing the issue of gun violence rather than calling for increased military presence in the streets of Cleveland.
Despite Miller’s claims surrounding the crime rates, overall trends indicate fluctuations in violence statistics, with some metrics demonstrating improvement. This includes Cleveland’s unfortunate ranking as seventh in the U.S. for homicides, raising concerns among residents. Compounding the issue is the Cleveland police force, which faces staffing challenges as many officers have left the department in recent years.
As discussions continue, the contrasting opinions regarding the use of the National Guard highlight the complexities of addressing crime in urban environments and the ongoing debates about the most effective means to ensure community safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Max Miller Urges National Guard Deployment to Curb Cleveland Crime
Max Miller Proposes National Guard Deployment in Cleveland
Shooting at Evergreen High School Leaves Two Injured
Cuyahoga County Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery
Double Shooting Outside People’s Bar Raises Safety Concerns in Cleveland
Locust Valley School District Cancels Meeting Amid Threats
Shooting Incident Outside Play Bar and Grill Shakes Cleveland
Family Demands Justice After Father’s Murder in Cleveland
Local Contractors Face Criminal Charges for Fraud and Theft
Mayor Shabazz Terminates Deputy Safety Director for Misconduct
Additional Resources
- News 5 Cleveland
- Wikipedia: National Guard
- Spectrum News 1
- Google Search: Cleveland crime National Guard
- Cleveland.com
- Google Scholar: Cleveland National Guard crime
- Washington Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland Ohio
- The Hill
- Google News: NATIONAL GUARD Cleveland
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
