News Summary
Cleveland is under pressure to address rising crime rates, with U.S. Rep. Max Miller advocating for the National Guard’s deployment to combat escalating violence. Highlighting fears among families and small businesses, he points to alarming statistics, including over 6,100 violent crimes in 2023. Governor DeWine has refrained from deploying the National Guard, emphasizing cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Local leaders argue against military presence, suggesting support for local policing and legislative measures as more effective solutions.
Cleveland is facing increasing pressure to address rising crime rates following a call for the deployment of the National Guard in the city. U.S. Representative Max Miller, a Republican representing Ohio’s 7th District, recently published an opinion piece expressing his concern over safety in Cleveland. He noted that his suburban constituents are increasingly frightened to venture into the city due to surging crime levels, describing Cleveland as “unrecognizable” compared to his childhood experiences there. Miller highlighted the growing fears among families and the impact on small businesses, many of which are reportedly closing down.
This call for action comes amid alarming statistics regarding violent crime in Cleveland. In 2023, federal crime data indicated that the city recorded 6,100 violent crimes. The first half of 2025 alone saw 46 homicides. Miller referenced tragic incidents that have highlighted the severity of the crime crisis, including the shooting of five individuals following a Browns game in the Flats and the killing of a police officer last year by someone with a criminal background.
Miller likened Cleveland’s current crime situation to that of Washington, D.C., where previous administrations have used the National Guard to address similar issues. He urged Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to deploy the Ohio National Guard, framing it as a temporary but crucial solution to assist local law enforcement in patrolling high-crime areas.
However, Governor DeWine has indicated that current state resources, particularly the State Highway Patrol, are sufficient for addressing crime in urban areas like Cleveland. He expressed his intent not to send in the National Guard despite Miller’s suggestions. The mayor’s office reiterated the ongoing collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, emphasizing their effectiveness in managing crime in the city without a National Guard deployment.
Cleveland’s city council is also voicing dissent against the proposals put forth by Miller. Councilman Brian Kazy of Ward 16 criticized the call for the National Guard, arguing that it is an unnecessary intrusion into city governance and pointing out that violent crime, including homicides, has actually decreased in Cleveland. Kazy believes that local law enforcement is sufficiently equipped to handle the crime situation and expressed strong concerns about the implications of Miller’s approach.
Further complicating the discussion, Congresswoman Shontel Brown labeled the idea of deploying the National Guard as both unnecessary and counterproductive. Instead, she emphasized the need for increased support for local law enforcement agencies and calls for stricter gun control measures as alternatives to deploying military forces on the streets of Cleveland.
As the debate continues, Miller’s op-ed coincided with another significant event: President Trump’s announcement regarding the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis, aimed at combating rising crime there. This has sparked discussions about potential similar actions in Cleveland as the city grapples with its crime issues.
The ongoing discourse around crime rates in Cleveland reflects broader concerns regarding public safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement. While some suggest a temporary military presence might bolster efforts to manage crime, others argue that supporting local law enforcement through legislative measures and community initiatives would bear longer-lasting benefits. The contrasting views on the necessity of the National Guard’s deployment highlight the complexities involved in tackling urban crime rate challenges in today’s society.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Ohio Congressman Urges Deploying National Guard to Cleveland
- Washington Times: Bring National Guard to Cleveland
- Cleveland 19: Rep. Max Miller Wants to Bring National Guard to Cleveland
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- Beacon Journal: National Guard Debate in Cleveland
- Google Search: Crime Rates in Cleveland
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