By Newsmax Wires | Thursday, 06 November 2025 01:05 PM EST
Rep. Mark Harris urged North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to deploy the National Guard to Charlotte, citing a surge in violent crime and an understaffed police department. The Republican representative highlighted that the Fraternal Order of Police had requested assistance, noting the city’s police force is 270 officers short. Harris argued that the National Guard could act as a deterrent while longer-term solutions are developed.
Charlotte has experienced eight homicides in seven days, with the uptown area’s murder rate more than 200% higher than a year ago. Harris emphasized the National Guard’s role would be to support local officers rather than replace them. However, Stein’s office rejected the proposal, stating that local police “who live and know their communities are best equipped” to address safety concerns.
The governor has advocated for funding pay raises, recruitment bonuses, and mental health programs for law enforcement, but Harris criticized these measures as insufficient. He referenced examples from Washington, D.C., and Memphis, where National Guard deployments reportedly restored public confidence.
Harris also condemned Senate Democrats for the prolonged federal government shutdown, calling their refusal to pass a continuing resolution “unforgivable.” He urged immediate action to reopen agencies.
