Charlotte Police Union Seeks National Guard Amid Crime Surge

Charlotte NC, October 4, 2025

News Summary

In response to a nearly 200% increase in homicides in Uptown Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police has formally requested federal law enforcement assistance, including the National Guard’s deployment. Mayor Vi Lyles opposes this request, advocating for local resources, while community leaders argue for grassroots solutions to combat violence. The rise in crime, particularly since the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska, has reignited discussions on public safety and police staffing shortages.

Charlotte Police Union Requests National Guard Deployment Amid Surge in Violent Crime

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has made a formal request for federal law enforcement assistance, including the deployment of the National Guard, following alarming crime statistics in the city. There has been nearly a 200% increase in homicides in Uptown Charlotte compared to the same period last year.

This escalation in violent crime follows the tragic August 22 killing of Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail. Since then, the FOP has reported at least 15 additional violent deaths in Charlotte. The union believes that support from federal troops could help address and potentially curb the rising trend in violent crime incidents.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has opposed the request for National Guard deployment, asserting that the city currently possesses the necessary resources to manage its crime issues effectively. Lyles expressed confidence in the capabilities of local law enforcement and indicated that the city would work closely with the White House to avoid the need for federal troops.

City Council member Edwin Peacock expressed skepticism regarding the need for federal troops at this time but did not entirely dismiss the option. Meanwhile, community leader Greg Jackson argued against involving the National Guard, advocating for local community solutions to address violence instead. He emphasized that community leaders and grassroots organizations play a critical role in combating crime.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)’s mid-year report, there has been a slight decrease in homicides compared to the previous year, but significant work remains to enhance public safety. The FOP’s letter to city officials outlined that the current crime-fighting strategies and staffing levels are unsustainable, highlighting an alarming rise in homicides, including recent incidents such as a double homicide and the shooting of a 16-year-old. CMPD data confirms that there are 15 ongoing homicide investigations since Zarutska’s death.

The FOP has criticized city leadership for not adequately addressing staffing shortages within the police department, which they argue have worsened the violence crisis. A survey from the National Fraternal Order of Police indicated that officers consider staffing shortages to be a greater stressor than the dangers associated with their jobs. The FOP also raised concerns that ongoing inaction and silence from city officials would result in CMPD officers seeking employment elsewhere, exacerbating the staffing issue.

City Council member Malcolm Graham explicitly opposed the idea of deploying the National Guard, advocating instead for local initiatives aimed at ensuring community safety. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams also believes that the demand for National Guard deployment is unnecessary, supporting the current efforts of city leadership to enhance public safety.

Various community partners are actively engaged in combatting gun violence and creating safer neighborhoods, highlighting a collective effort to address the challenges facing the city. The FOP insists that the urgency for federal support has never been greater, citing the increased pressure on local law enforcement as a critical concern.

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Additional Resources

• WCNC: Charlotte Police Union Wants National Guard Deployed
• WSOC: Police Union Urges Leaders to Deploy National Guard
• Fox News: Charlotte Crime Policies Under Fire
• Newsweek: Charlotte Crime Compared to Other Major Cities
• Wikipedia: Crime in the United States

Author: HERE Charlotte

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