U.S. Representative Shontel Brown has strongly opposed calls from a lawmaker in a neighboring district to deploy the National Guard in Cleveland, calling the idea “unserious” and “counterproductive.”
In a recent statement, Rep. Brown argues that Cleveland’s safety depends on strengthening local law enforcement, building community trust, and investing in proven crime prevention strategies—not turning the city into what she described as a stage for “political theater.”
Brown cited her concerns over the long-term consequences of using the National Guard in domestic policing, pointing to Washington, D.C., where residents are still living with the aftermath of a federal deployment under the Trump administration. That action, she said, drained taxpayer resources—costing up to $1 million per day—while doing little to improve public safety.
Instead of outside military intervention, Brown highlighted local initiatives such as Mayor Justin Bibb’s Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone (RISE) Initiative, which leverages partnerships, technology, and enforcement strategies to reduce crime while reinforcing trust. According to Brown, these efforts demonstrate real progress, with crime rates in Cleveland trending downward.
“I was born and raised in Cleveland. I know our city. I know our people,” Brown said in her statement. “Safety comes from hard work, real resources, community trust, and serious solutions.”
Ohio Congressman Max Miller has called for the deployment of the National Guard in Cleveland as the Trump administration sends them to crack down on crime in cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee.
In an op-ed written for the Washington Times, Miller claims residents in the suburbs around Cleveland are afraid to go into the city. He writes that Cleveland recorded 6,100 violent crimes in 2023 and 46 homicides in the first half of this year.
“The District of Columbia faced a similar crisis, with crime rates spiraling out of control,” Miller continues. “By bringing in the National Guard, President Trump helped stabilize the situation. He provided a visible presence, deterring criminal activity and supporting local law enforcement.”
In Washington, for instance, Brown has supported legislation aimed at tackling gun violence and strengthening public safety. She voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded background checks and secured $2 million in crime prevention funding for Cuyahoga County. She has also advocated for universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, and $1.4 million in direct federal funding for Cleveland Police—a request currently stalled in Congress.
By contrast, Brown dismissed the National Guard proposal as a “political stunt” that would undermine local authority and waste resources.
“Deploying the Guard won’t make Cleveland safer,” she argued. “What we need are resources, partnerships, and policies that work.”
Brown reaffirmed her commitment to advancing public safety through federal-local collaboration, stressing that Clevelanders deserve “real solutions” that prioritize both security and community trust.
