San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has publicly countered President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to the city. Lurie emphasized that bringing in military forces would not effectively address the local drug crisis, particularly the ongoing fentanyl epidemic.
Lurie Rejects Trump’s National Guard Proposal
In a statement released by his office, Lurie shared his concerns about the efficacy of deploying the National Guard. He noted, “The National Guard does not have the authority to arrest drug dealers—and sending them to San Francisco will do nothing to get fentanyl off the streets or make our city safer.”
San Francisco’s Crime Trends
Lurie did not mention Trump directly. Instead, he highlighted positive crime trends in San Francisco. According to Lurie:
- The violent crime rate is at its lowest since the 1950s.
- Tent encampments in the city have significantly decreased.
He acknowledged that while progress has been made, more work remains necessary. Lurie noted that he is acutely aware of the impact of fentanyl use, stating, “When I drop my son off at school, I see the effects all around.”
Collaborative Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
The mayor emphasized the existing partnerships between local law enforcement and federal agencies. He expressed interest in enhancing coordination with organizations such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Such collaboration aims to:
- Conduct targeted operations against drug dealers.
- Disrupt local drug markets.
- Combat multinational drug cartels.
Lurie concluded his statement reiterating his commitment to protecting the community and stated, “Under my leadership, we will always protect the people and the values that make San Francisco the greatest city in the world.”
Upcoming City Board Meeting
Lurie’s statement was released ahead of a San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting. At this meeting, District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder is expected to propose a motion regarding the city’s preparedness should the National Guard be deployed.
Community Response
The discussion surrounding the National Guard was further sparked by Salesforce founder Marc Benioff’s recent comments. Initially supporting the idea, Benioff later retracted his statement, acknowledging the concerns raised by residents. He declared his belief in the city’s ability to make progress through community partnership and expressed his gratitude towards city officials and law enforcement.
Both Lurie and community leaders continue to focus on solutions that build collaboration and promote safety for all San Franciscans, emphasizing that military intervention is not the answer. Their collective efforts aim to create a more secure environment while respecting the values of the city.
