Charlotte, October 4, 2025

News Summary

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has declined a request to deploy the National Guard to address rising crime rates. The decision follows a report revealing a 40% decrease in armed security within the public transit system since 2018. The police union has voiced concerns about staffing shortages, linking them to a rise in violent crimes. As safety measures are being implemented, city officials affirm their commitment to enhancing local law enforcement capabilities without relying on external forces.

Charlotte

Mayor Vi Lyles has officially rejected a request to deploy the National Guard in response to rising crime concerns in Charlotte. She emphasized her confidence in the capability of local law enforcement and the community to improve safety without the need for external forces.

This decision comes shortly after a report from the N.C. State Auditor revealed a concerning 40% decrease in armed security within the public transit system since 2018, despite an increase in funding and personnel dedicated to public safety. The auditor’s report projected that spending on security would increase from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million by 2025.

The significant drop in armed security has not been adequately explained by city officials, further compounding public concerns. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has formally requested assistance from federal law enforcement, including the National Guard, due to a staffing shortage and challenges with the city’s current crime-fighting strategies.

The pressing need for heightened security has garnered attention from state and federal authorities following the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on August 22. Since her death, there have been 15 additional suspected homicide cases reported in the city.

The police union’s plea for National Guard involvement has reached Governor Josh Stein and President Donald Trump, who were urged to intervene in the staffing and violence crisis plaguing Charlotte. Union representatives have voiced concerns that the staffing crisis within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has led to a spike in violent crimes.

In light of these incidents, city officials have begun to roll out new safety measures. These include deploying utility terrain vehicles and patrol bikes along transit lines. Furthermore, approximately 40% of the city’s general fund is allocated to police services, with an additional 20% dedicated to fire services.

Starting police salaries in Charlotte have seen a notable increase since 2019, rising by 34% while top salaries have jumped by 42%. In an effort to bolster transit security, the Charlotte City Council has recently approved expanded jurisdiction for Professional Security Services, allowing them to enforce laws and make arrests near transit lines.

Moreover, the city has increased fare enforcement measures and formalized an agreement with CMPD for the deployment of off-duty officers, amounting to 966 hours per week devoted to transit patrol. However, the Fraternal Order of Police has criticized the city for its slow response to safety complaints, suggesting that too many lives have been lost without sufficient action.

Concerns about the legality of President Trump’s use of the National Guard without state support have also been raised in light of similar situations in other municipalities. City Councilman Malcolm Graham has reiterated the belief that mobilizing the National Guard is unnecessary, highlighting the importance of local action and visible police presence.

Council members further emphasized that CMPD should serve as the primary response force for 911 calls, rather than relying on private security personnel. The FOP noted that the ongoing staffing crisis has increased stress among officers, risking an escalation in the staffing situation if not addressed effectively.

City leaders remain committed to improving police staffing levels and enhancing the officer presence throughout Charlotte, with a particular focus on public transit safety.

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Additional Resources

• WBTV
• Charlotte Observer
• WSOCTV
• Spectrum Local News
• Wikipedia
• Google Search: Charlotte crime
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.