Charlotte leaders say they won’t ask for National Guard assistance for crime

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles says she does not plan to request the National Guard to assist with cracking down on crime in the city. This comes after Vice President JD Vance suggested the Mayor and Governor should ask the federal government for assistance with public safety and crime.

In a hangar at the Concord Airport in front of a crowd of about 100 people surrounded by law enforcement officers and swat vehicles, VP Vance blamed state and local leadership for Iryna Zarutska’s murder on the light rail Wednesday afternoon.

“I think every politician who didn’t work hard to keep violent criminals behind bars deserves to have some of the blame,” VP Vance said. “When we look at an American community where people are suffering because of violent crime, our response is, we want to help, just let us.”

The Vice President says the Trump Administration is prioritizing public safety by sending National Guard troops to crack down on crime in cities like DC. The feds are also working to send the Guard to Chicago and Memphis. In Memphis, some local and state leaders are welcoming the help but Chicago leaders are pushing back.

“President Trump surged the National Guard into Washington, D.C., there were no murders, not a single murder for two weeks in the streets of Washington, D.C,” Vice President JD Vance said.

After high profile cases like Zarutska’s and the murder of four year old Jayce Edwards some people are asking if Charlotte could see National Guard intervention.

“I do believe that we need a lot of safety measures to happen in the city. Without a question, regardless of where it comes from, I think we need help,” Kevin Gray, Charlotte Resident said. “I don’t think crime is at that level [for the National Guard] Charlotte is a lot smaller and a lot safer actually.”

Vice President Vance says the guard assists in cites where the Mayor and Governor ask for help.

In a statement to WCCB, Mayor Vi Lyles says she does not plan to ask for National Guard assistance.

“We understand the events of the past few weeks have drawn increased awareness to safety challenges we all face. We will continue to focus on what we need to do to ensure a safe and thriving Charlotte, including working with federal, state and local partners on community safety,” Lyles said in the statement.

Vice president Vance says he hopes Charlotte leaders reconsider and urges residents to speak out about their concerns.

“You do need the help. You just need to admit it,” VP Vance said. “Talk to your local officials and encourage them to ask for the help of the Trump administration, we are willing to provide it. We want fewer people to be affected by violent crime.”

When asked about the National Guard assisting in Charlotte, Governor Josh Stein said the guard should be more focused on being ready to help during hurricane season.