Overview

• During a Thursday press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Louisiana’s murder rate is nearly four times California’s.
• Asked about the claim on Fox News Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Newsom of attention-seeking and said he should focus on governing California.
• Johnson defended his hometown, saying Shreveport has reduced crime, and argued the issue must be addressed wherever it occurs.
• Newsom responded on X by calling Johnson’s answer a “word salad.”
• Johnson reiterated support for President Donald Trump’s push for federal takeovers of cities, saying residents would welcome deployments of federal officers and the National Guard.