Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that the state is ready to respond if President Donald Trump decides to deploy the National Guard to Philadelphia. This statement comes in the wake of Trump’s recent comments regarding crime in various cities across the United States. Shapiro made the announcement during an event at the Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School in North Philadelphia, emphasizing the state’s preparedness without indicating that such action is imminent.
Shapiro criticized Trump’s previous decision to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles, labeling it as a “wrong-headed decision.” He stated, “We have been preparing for such a thing to happen here in Philadelphia.” Although he did not elaborate on specific preparations, the governor highlighted his experience as the former chief law enforcement officer of Pennsylvania, indicating a commitment to community safety.
During a press conference, Trump expressed his concern about rising crime rates, saying he has an obligation to address violent crime in cities nationwide. He noted, “When 20 people are killed over the last two and a half weeks and 75 are shot with bullets, this isn’t a political thing. I have an obligation.” Trump also announced plans for federal law enforcement to intervene in Chicago and Baltimore to combat crime.
In conjunction with these announcements, a federal judge ruled that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law by deploying troops in Los Angeles during an immigration crackdown. This ruling has prompted Shapiro to prepare for the possibility of a National Guard deployment in Pennsylvania.
Shapiro pointed to the state’s recent investments in policing and community organizations, which he claims have contributed to a 42% reduction in violent crime since he took office. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, overall crime in the city has decreased by 5.61%, with gun violence also significantly down across Pennsylvania.
“Now is not a time to disrupt that with distrust, the way the president is doing in other communities,” Shapiro stated. “Now is the time for us to continue making the progress we’re making here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I’m going to focus on that.” State officials have reported a 12% decrease in violent crime in 2024, reinforcing the governor’s stance on maintaining progress in public safety.
As the situation develops, Shapiro remains focused on collaborative efforts to ensure community safety and reduce crime, underscoring the importance of local initiatives over federal intervention.
