New York Police Commissioner Opposes National Guard Deployment in City Streets
New York City’s Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has voiced strong opposition to any potential deployment of the National Guard on city streets. Speaking at a Midtown Manhattan event on Monday, Tisch described the idea of soldiers patrolling the city as “deeply troubling.”
Commissioner Tisch said the National Guard is not trained for urban crime control and their presence could create more problems than it solves. Her comments come amid President Donald Trump’s threats to deploy federal forces to major cities, including New York and Chicago, following federal control of Washington DC’s police.
“One of my biggest concerns is that deploying the National Guard in New York or other large cities will create disorder, confusion, and unintended consequences,” Tisch said. “As a lifelong New Yorker, I am profoundly averse to militarising our streets.”
While the federal government has authority over the Metropolitan Police in Washington DC, it does not have such powers in New York. However, if the President chooses, National Guard members could be stationed across New York City streets and the subway network, Tisch warned.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has already deployed nearly 1,000 National Guard personnel to assist with transportation security, primarily conducting random bag checks without patrolling subway trains or platforms.
Tisch emphasised that federal support is better directed toward reducing gun violence and increasing federal prosecutors for firearms-related cases. “We need a proper partnership with the federal government. The National Guard is not the solution,” she said.
According to NYPD data, major crimes in New York fell by 4.5% up to August this year, and shooting incidents dropped to 489—a 19% decrease compared to last year. Tisch added, “We are capable of managing the city’s safety. We do not need, nor do we want, federal troops on our streets.”
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also opposed the potential deployment of federal forces, warning that such moves could sow disorder in communities. “If the President attempts to deploy troops in Philadelphia or other areas of Pennsylvania against our wishes, we are prepared to protect our communities,” he said.
