News Summary
U.S. Representative Max Miller is urging Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to deploy the National Guard to address escalating crime in Cleveland. Despite Miller’s claims of unsafe conditions, recent data shows a decline in homicide rates. Local officials argue against military intervention, emphasizing community-focused crime reduction strategies. Critics view the call for National Guard deployment as a political tactic rather than a genuine solution. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of addressing crime while focusing on community safety and well-being.
Cleveland – U.S. Representative Max Miller, a Republican from Bay Village, has called on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to deploy the National Guard to the city of Cleveland, citing serious public safety concerns. In an op-ed published in the Washington Times, Miller expressed his belief that crime in Cleveland has escalated to uncontrollable levels and that drastic measures are needed to restore safety.
Cleveland has reported approximately 6,100 violent crimes in 2023, resulting in a violent crime rate of about 1,703 incidents per 100,000 residents. In the first half of 2024 alone, the city experienced 46 homicides. Despite these statistics, recent data indicates a 26% decline in Cleveland’s homicide rate and a 17% drop in homicides among the 30 largest cities in the United States, contrasting Miller’s alarming characterization of crime in Cleveland.
Miller has described the city as “unrecognizable,” emphasizing that families are no longer feeling safe while walking through their neighborhoods. He pointed to small businesses that have reportedly resorted to boarding up their establishments due to safety concerns. Miller’s statements regarding the crime climate have drawn sharp criticism, especially in light of ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat crime effectively without military intervention.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and his administration maintain that their priority is crime reduction through collaboration with local law enforcement. The Mayor has highlighted successful operations, including partnerships with the U.S. Marshals, resulting in the arrest of 130 violent fugitives and the confiscation of over 3,000 rounds of ammunition along with numerous firearms. Bibb’s administration emphasizes strategies focused on targeted policing and community engagement, arguing that military presence would not address the root causes of crime.
The Ohio National Guard can only be deployed with an invitation from local mayors, as confirmed by officials in Governor DeWine’s office. They clarified that they are unaware of any request for deployment from Mayor Bibb regarding the National Guard.
Miller has drawn comparisons between the situation in Cleveland and previous instances where the National Guard was deployed, particularly referencing Washington, D.C., during the Trump administration, suggesting similar interventions could stabilize Cleveland. However, his call has raised concerns about the potential militarization of communities and the increased risk of tensions between law enforcement and local residents, especially among marginalized groups.
Critics of Miller’s op-ed, including Democratic Representative Shontel Brown from Warrensville Heights, have characterized his demands for National Guard deployment as a political maneuver rather than a genuine solution to crime. Brown has advocated for federal support aimed at violence prevention programs instead of militarizing neighborhoods.
Community leaders have expressed worries that introducing a military presence may aggravate existing tensions rather than properly addressing systemic issues contributing to crime. They highlight the importance of implementing community-focused strategies that foster engagement and growth.
The debate continues as Cleveland navigates the complex and multifaceted issue of crime, with local officials stressing their commitment to finding effective, community-minded solutions. The evolution of the city’s public safety strategy remains a critical topic for residents concerned about their safety and wellbeing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Seeks National Guard Support Amid Rising Crime
Cleveland Faces Calls for National Guard to Address Rising Crime
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
Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Cleveland.com
- Google Search: Cleveland crime statistics
- The Hill
- Google Scholar: Cleveland National Guard deployment
- WKYC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ohio
- Newark Advocate
- Google News: National Guard in 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
