Louisiana National Guard to Complete Eight-Month French Quarter Patrol by End of August

Following a deadly incident on Bourbon Street, the Louisiana National Guard deployed 350 troops to New Orleans in late December to bolster security for New Year’s celebrations. Although the original schedule called for a withdrawal after Mardi Gras, Governor Jeff Landry asked for a reduced force to stay on, a request authorized by President Donald Trump, extending the mission through August. Lt. Col. Noel Collins announced that the last patrol occurred Monday and that the Guard will depart the city by Aug. 31.

Throughout the deployment, Guard members carried out more than 4,000 patrols in the historic French Quarter and assisted police with 171 arrests. Mayor Helena Moreno, who had initially opposed the presence, thanked the Guard for its service, and the governor highlighted the temporary mission’s role in enhancing public safety and providing valuable training for soldiers. Crime trends in New Orleans have been declining, mirroring national patterns.