Good morning …. In 2022 … we started this petition as a call to action for a safe New Orleans for all - black, white, Hispanic, Asian - for all women, men, children … and visitors. People were dying and our capacity at NOPD was severely diminished … 

the shooting in bourbon street claiming innocent lives of tourists is devastating. Add to to January 1 murdered and what we have is disgusting and untenable. We deserve a safe city and New Orleans herself deserves it. Everyone deserves to be safe. Period. Democrat. Republican. Independent. Whatever your background . Whatever your economic standing. 

Today  it seems the La National Guard is preparing a mission to come to three cities in Louisiana … let’s hope safety and not politics is on the table … below is my statement to the press … 

“Several years ago, I started a petition calling for the deployment of the National Guard to New Orleans during a period when violent crime was spiraling out of control. Carjackings were happening in broad daylight, and women were being targeted at alarming rates. One woman was gravely injured; another tragically lost her life. At the same time, our police force had been stretched thin—shrinking from over 1,400 officers to roughly 900—leaving neighborhoods and businesses underserved and vulnerable.

To me, asking for additional resources was common sense. When any organization faces a critical staffing shortage, you look for solutions. Public safety should be no different. The National Guard is made up of our fellow citizens—teachers, workers, parents—who train for moments when their community needs support. With a clear, transparent plan and a focus on community outreach, their presence can strengthen—not divide—our city.

At the time, my petition was met with criticism and references to the posse comitatus rule governing military involvement in civilian law enforcement. I understood those concerns, but I also believed—and still believe—that creative, lawful solutions can and should be found when communities are in crisis. My call was never about politics; it was about people.

Safety has no political party. Safe communities should be treated like clean drinking water, access to housing, and job opportunities: a basic right for everyone, here in Louisiana and across the United States.

Tourism is the beating heart of New Orleans’ economy. It’s our engine, and it thrives because this city is unmatched in food, architecture, music, and culture. We should set our sights high: New Orleans should aim to become the safest city in America. Imagine pairing our extraordinary culture with a proven, successful public safety strategy—New Orleans wouldn’t just remain a beloved destination; it would thrive as a tourism powerhouse.

Some worry that increased security might hurt tourism. I believe the opposite is true. When visitors and locals alike feel safe, the city flourishes. If we lack the public safety staffing to meet current challenges, then we must flex, adapt, and meet that demand. That’s not a sign of weakness—it’s good governance.

My intention has always been rooted in one belief: New Orleanians deserve to feel safe. Safety and community engagement are not competing values; they are partners. A thoughtful, well-planned Guard deployment can bring “boots on the ground” where they are needed most, while fostering trust through visibility, outreach, and service.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about honesty, accountability, and action. If we want New Orleans to thrive, we must be willing to use every responsible tool available to protect our people, support our economy, and secure our future.” - Rhonda Findley