On Monday, Republican Representative Max Miller from Ohio called on Governor Mike DeWine to dispatch National Guard troops to Cleveland to help combat rising crime rates.
Miller pointed to recent developments involving President Trump and the deployment of national security guards from neighboring states as proof that troops on the ground could effectively reduce local crime.
“Some may say that bringing in the National Guard is an extreme response. Honestly, allowing lawlessness to persist seems even more extreme. The safety of citizens isn’t something we can compromise,” Miller stated.
“If parents are anxious about letting their children play outside, if business owners hesitate to open their doors, if commuters feel unsafe walking to their cars after dark, we’ve already failed them. It’s time to take action,” he added.
According to Ohio State Legislators, violent crime in Cleveland has been climbing steadily since 2023, which recorded over 6,100 incidents of violence.
The city currently ranks seventh in the nation for murders, with a rate of 30 per 100,000 residents last year.
City officials reported 46 murders in just the first half of 2025.
“What makes things worse is our failure as lawmakers to protect law-abiding citizens,” Miller remarked.
He highlighted that last month, city officials chose not to incarcerate repeat offenders, allowing dangerous criminals to remain on the streets, putting innocent lives at risk, similar to the tragedy involving Irina Zalzka in Charlotte, North Carolina last month.
Recently, DeWine announced that Ohio’s national security guards would continue their presence in the district until November.
A few days later, Trump revealed that soldiers were deployed in Tennessee to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force in response to a federal law enforcement crackdown in Washington, D.C.
Miller believes Cleveland should receive the same level of support.
“The residents of Cleveland deserve to feel secure once more. They should be able to enjoy their lives without fear. The people I represent ought to attend Guardians, Browns, or Cavs games without worrying for their safety. There’s no greater obligation of the government,” Miller expressed.
