Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has vocalized his stance against deploying the National Guard to address gun violence in the city, instead asking for increased federal law enforcement resources. Scott's comments follow Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's invitation to President Trump to join a public safety walk in Baltimore and review effective crime reduction strategies.
In contrast to the president's recent action, where he sent the National Guard to Washington, D.C., Mayor Scott stands firm on Baltimore's proven capacity to reduce gun violence without a military presence. "We know that the National Guard is not the way," Scott said, citing the city's ongoing collaboration with federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Despite President Trump's critique of Baltimore, calling out the city for its crime rates, Scott highlighted the local decline in violent crime, noting, "Baltimore is the safest it's been in over 50 years," a statement obtained by CBS News Baltimore.
Baltimore's crime rates have seen significant downturns in the first half of 2025, with a 28.8% decrease in homicides and a 19.2% reduction in non-fatal shootings compared to the previous year. However, Mayor Scott emphasizes that the endeavor to further reduce crime continues. "You don't see me celebrating because we know we still have a long way to go," Scott stated, per CBS News Baltimore.
The mayor has renewed his call for more federal support, asserting the benefits of enhancing the existing partnership with federal agencies to bolster local law enforcement efforts. The mayor reiterated his stance on the need for a national ban on ghost guns and Glock switches, weapons he believes are terrorizing communities across the country, according to a statement obtained by FOX Baltimore.
Mayor Scott's request also extends to the restoration of federal public safety grants that were previously cut by the Trump administration. These grants are crucial for the continued success of Baltimore's strategy to reduce crime and improve support for victims.
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