By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- The Louisiana National Guard is ending its eight-month deployment in New Orleans, with its remaining 120 troops set to conclude the mission Aug. 31.
- The deployment began in late December with 350 troops, sent to boost security in the French Quarter for New Year’s Eve, one year after a Bourbon Street terror attack killed 14 people.
- A slimmed-down deployment was extended past a planned Mardi Gras withdrawal and continued through this month.
- Guard officials say troops conducted more than 4,000 patrols and assisted with 171 arrests, mainly in the French Quarter.
- The deployment was requested by Gov. Jeff Landry and authorized by President Trump, part of a series of National Guard missions in cities including Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee.
NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana National Guard is ending its eight-month deployment patrolling the streets of New Orleans, with troops set to withdraw from the city by the end of the month, according to guard officials.
The 120 remaining troops completed their final patrol Monday and are scheduled to conclude their mission Aug. 31, said Lt. Col. Noel Collins, a Louisiana National Guard spokesperson.
The deployment began in late December, when 350 troops were sent to New Orleans to boost public safety in the French Quarter during heightened security for New Year’s celebrations, one year after an attack on Bourbon Street revelers killed 14 people. The troops were initially set to withdraw following Mardi Gras festivities in February, but a reduced deployment was extended through August.
Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, requested the deployment, which President Donald Trump authorized following similar National Guard missions his administration launched in other Democratic-led cities, including Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee. According to the Louisiana National Guard, troops conducted more than 4,000 patrols and assisted local law enforcement with 171 arrests, primarily in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat who initially opposed the deployment, said in a statement that she was grateful for the guard’s service. Landry said the mission had improved safety in the city and provided valuable readiness training for troops. Violent crime in New Orleans has been declining for several years, in line with national trends, according to data compiled by the city’s police department.