baltimore’s response to military threats and community safety

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Baltimore Leaders Reject Military Occupation

Baltimore, a city with a rich history and vibrant Black community, has once again found itself at the center of a political debate. Maryland leaders, including Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott, have consistently pushed back against President Donald Trump's suggestions to deploy the National Guard to Baltimore (cbsnews.com). They argue that the city needs financial support and resources from the federal government, not a military presence. Governor Moore has clearly stated that "Progress requires the right tool for the right mission" (cbsnews.com). He believes Maryland has shown it can achieve real results without resorting to actions that are merely for show.

Baltimore Homicides: August Trends

Previous Augusts

Higher

August 2025

Lowest Ever

This chart illustrates that August 2025 recorded the fewest killings ever for that month in Baltimore. Source: afro.com

Mayor Scott has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Baltimore does not need the National Guard (cbsnews.com). Instead, he has called for more federal law enforcement resources and agents to work alongside the city's police department. Maryland leaders are united in their belief that federal money, not troops, is what Baltimore truly needs to address its challenges (cbsnews.com). Frances Toni Draper, the Publisher of the AFRO, a prominent African American newspaper, has also voiced this perspective. She states that Baltimore needs "partnership, not punishment" and "federal support for jobs, schools, housing, healthcare, and long-term strategies" (afro.com).

Understanding the National Guard's Role

The National Guard is a unique part of the U.S. armed forces. It operates under both state and federal authority. Its main jobs include responding to emergencies and natural disasters within a state. It can also be called upon for national defense missions (case.hks.harvard.edu). Unlike local police, who enforce laws in a specific area, or federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, which investigate federal crimes, the National Guard is a military force. When they are called into action for domestic operations, they usually help civil authorities, especially when local resources are overwhelmed.

For instance, during the 2015 Baltimore unrest, Governor Larry Hogan activated the Maryland National Guard (case.hks.harvard.edu). This happened after riots and vandalism broke out following Freddie Gray's funeral. The Baltimore police were overwhelmed by the unrest and asked for help from other police forces (case.hks.harvard.edu). About 2,000 National Guard troops were sent to Baltimore (armytimes.com). Their focus was to work with law enforcement and maintain a specific way of interacting with the public. The goal of this deployment was to support local authorities, with the Guard's senior leaders making decisions about their actions and presence in the city (case.hks.harvard.edu).

Impact of National Guard Deployment

If the National Guard were deployed in Baltimore, similar to the 2015 unrest, it would likely mean a strong military presence on the city's streets. This could make the city feel like a "militarized zone" (natmonitor.com). While their main job is to support civil authorities, this could include setting curfews, keeping order, and helping law enforcement. Daily life could be affected by increased security, visible armed personnel, and possible limits on movement. The aim of such a deployment is usually to bring back order and make people feel safe. However, it can also raise worries about the military becoming too involved in law enforcement and how that affects community relationships.

During the 2015 Baltimore unrest, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a nightly curfew (case.hks.harvard.edu). The presence of 2,000 National Guard troops led to descriptions of Baltimore as a "militarized zone" (natmonitor.com). National Guard soldiers stood guard in various places. Commanders focused on working with law enforcement and how soldiers would interact with the public, including their equipment and how they carried their weapons (armytimes.com). The deployment was meant to deal with the unrest and violence that happened after Freddie Gray's funeral (case.hks.harvard.edu). This history shows that a National Guard deployment is a serious matter with significant implications for a city and its residents.

Political Motivations and Progress in Baltimore

Baltimore's leadership sees President Trump's threats as politically motivated "bully tactics" rather than genuine efforts to improve public safety (afro.com). This perspective is especially strong given recent positive crime reduction data. Crime has actually gone down in Baltimore. August recorded the fewest killings ever for that month (afro.com). This progress is credited to the hard work of Baltimoreans themselves. This includes police officers walking their beats, violence interrupters calming conflicts, faith leaders guiding young people, and neighbors who refuse to give up on their community.

President Trump's actions are viewed as treating Baltimore and Maryland as "bargaining chips" (afro.com). This is linked to his past threats to "rethink" funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge and block the FBI's relocation to Greenbelt. Governor Moore has called Trump's actions "completely performative" and "deeply disrespectful" (afro.com). The AFRO article suggests that Trump's "law and order" agenda often targets majority-Black cities with Democratic mayors. This implies a racial undertone in his words and actions.

"Law and Order" and Racial Implications

The term "law and order" has a long and complex history in American politics. It often becomes a rallying cry during times of social unrest or perceived rising crime. However, for many in the Black community, this phrase carries a different meaning. It can bring up memories of policies that disproportionately affected Black neighborhoods and individuals. Historically, "law and order" campaigns have sometimes been used to justify increased policing and surveillance in Black communities, regardless of actual crime rates. This has led to feelings of being targeted and over-policed.

When President Trump uses "law and order" rhetoric and focuses on majority-Black cities with Democratic mayors, it is seen by many as racially coded language (afro.com). This means that while the words themselves may seem neutral, they carry hidden messages or implications that resonate differently with various groups. For Baltimore's leaders and residents, this rhetoric suggests that Black-led cities are inherently chaotic or unable to manage themselves. This perspective ignores the efforts and progress made by these communities. It also overlooks the systemic issues, such as poverty and lack of investment, that contribute to urban challenges.

Baltimore's Vision for Community Safety

Baltimore's leaders are not simply rejecting military intervention; they are advocating for a different approach to community safety. They emphasize that genuine safety comes from steady resources and a long-term commitment, not from intimidation or threats (afro.com). This vision includes investing in social services to address the root causes of crime. While specific programs are not detailed, these efforts often involve violence interruption programs, which use trained individuals to de-escalate conflicts before they turn violent. They also include youth outreach programs that provide mentorship and positive alternatives for young people.

Furthermore, this approach focuses on mental health services, recognizing that addressing mental health challenges can play a crucial role in reducing crime and improving overall community well-being. The city's leaders believe that federal money should be directed towards these types of initiatives. This would include grants for violence prevention, community development, and education. This is a stark contrast to the idea of a military occupation, which they argue would be counterproductive and disrespectful to the progress already being made by Baltimoreans.

Federal Funding and Infrastructure Threats

President Trump's threats extend beyond the National Guard deployment. He has also suggested "rethinking" the billions of dollars approved by Congress to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse (afro.com). This bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure for Baltimore and the entire region. Its collapse had a significant economic impact, disrupting shipping and transportation. Threatening to withhold funds for its rebuilding is seen as a direct attack on the city's economic recovery and stability.

Additionally, President Trump has vowed to block the FBI's long-planned relocation to Greenbelt, Maryland (afro.com). This move has been years in the making, involving bipartisan planning and significant investment. The relocation is important for national security reasons and would bring substantial economic benefits to the region. Dismissing Maryland as "too far" and "too liberal" when discussing this relocation is seen as another example of treating the state and its communities as political pawns. These threats highlight a pattern of using federal funding and infrastructure projects as leverage, rather than as tools for genuine development and support.

The AFRO's Voice and Baltimore's Resilience

The AFRO, a historic African American newspaper, plays a significant role in shaping public discourse within the Black community. Its publisher, Frances Toni Draper, speaking as a native Baltimorean, brings a powerful voice to the discussion (afro.com). The AFRO has a long history of advocating for social justice and reporting on issues that directly impact African Americans. Its perspective on Trump's threats is therefore particularly meaningful, representing the sentiments of many within Baltimore's Black community.

Draper's words emphasize Baltimore's resilience and its refusal to be defined by external narratives of brokenness or unworthiness (afro.com). She highlights the city's assets, including its world-renowned hospitals and universities, championship sports teams, and vibrant cultural scene. While acknowledging the city's challenges, such as poverty and addiction, she stresses that these are not unique to Baltimore. The city's strength lies in its people, who continue to fight for its future every day. This message of self-determination and pride is a powerful counter-narrative to the "bully tactics" employed by President Trump.

The Need for Partnership, Not Punishment

Baltimore's leaders are clear about what the city needs: partnership, not punishment (afro.com). This means the federal government should act as a collaborator, working with Baltimore to strengthen its future. It should not strip away already-approved resources or threaten the city with soldiers. The call for federal support includes funding for jobs, schools, housing, and healthcare. These are essential components of long-term strategies that can make neighborhoods safer and stronger. Addressing systemic issues like poverty and disinvestment requires sustained investment and a collaborative approach.

Baltimore's Stated Needs vs. Trump's Proposed Actions

Baltimore's Needs

• Federal Financial Support


• Federal Law Enforcement Resources


• Partnership, Not Punishment


• Support for Jobs, Schools, Housing, Healthcare


• Long-term Strategies

Trump's Proposed Actions

• Deploy National Guard


• "Rethink" Francis Scott Key Bridge Funding


• Block FBI Relocation


• "Bully Tactics"


• "Law and Order" Rhetoric

This comparison highlights the contrasting approaches to Baltimore's challenges. Source: afro.com, cbsnews.com

Governor Moore, Mayor Scott, and Maryland's congressional delegation have stood united in their message. They assert that the National Guard is not trained for city policing (afro.com). They also remind everyone that once Congress funds a project, a president cannot simply take it away. Their stance reflects a deep understanding of Baltimore's needs and a commitment to its residents. They are advocating for solutions that empower communities and build lasting safety, rather than imposing short-term, military-style interventions that could further strain community relations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.