NOPD Chief: National Guard To Descend Upon New Orleans in November

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Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.

National Guard To Be in New Orleans for Bayou Classic, Other Big Events

“We’re teaming up on this – it’s all about collaboration, not control,” Kirkpatrick emphasized Tuesday night. “This is a true partnership to keep our streets safe during these high-energy events.”

While NOPD put in a request for Louisiana National Guard help specifically for New Year’s Eve crowds, the earlier wave of federal Guard support stems from a late-September ask by Gov. Jeff Landry.

Kirkpatrick confirmed the troops will touch down just in time for the electrifying Bayou Classic showdown – that legendary two-day college football clash between Grambling State and Southern University at the Caesars Superdome from November 27 to 29.

Expect them to stick around through the countdown to 2026 on New Year’s Eve and all the way to the wild vibes of Mardi Gras in February, with patrols filling the gaps to ensure smooth sailing in what is being called “Operation Swamp Sweep.”

This isn’t the first time the Guard has rolled into the Big Easy.

They stepped up big at the start of the year after the heartbreaking New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, claiming 14 lives in the heart of our French Quarter.

And remember Super Bowl LIX right here in NOLA back in February? Those extra eyes and boots on the ground were present in the global spotlight.

Stripping away any political noise, Kirkpatrick stressed the rock-solid ties already in place.

“We’ve built strong bonds with the Guard over the years,” she said. “At the end of the day, my top priority is safety for everyone in this city – and if they can multiply our efforts, that’s a win for all of us.”

The feds have dispatched Guard units to hotspots like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland lately, responding to unrest tied to the Trump administration’s tough immigration stance.

But here at home, we’re seeing brighter numbers: NOPD’s latest stats show crime dipping across nearly every category compared to this time last year – a testament to the hard work of our officers and community partners.Kirkpatrick dropped these insights right in the thick of our annual Night Out Against Crime event, where neighbors and badges come together to build trust and tackle issues head-on. It’s events like these that remind us: When we stand united, New Orleans shines even brighter.

Stay tuned to NOLAFI.COM Now for updates on public safety and how you can get involved. Got tips or stories? Hit us up at news@nolanow.com.

Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.