Charlotte, North Carolina — When Vice President JD Vance visited Concord this week, he was asked whether Charlotte should expect federal intervention, such as a National Guard deployment, to deter crime.
In response to the murder of a refugee in Charlotte, Vice President JD Vance stated, “If the Mayor of Charlotte and the Governor of North Carolina asked for our help, we would absolutely send it because we believe in helping people, regardless of whether they’re Democrats or Republicans,” at Concord’s airport.
Previously, President Donald Trump threatened to send the guard to cities such as Chicago, but Vance presented it as a standing offer.
“We want to go where we can have a real partnership between local law enforcement and the federal officials so that we can root out crime,” he said.
However, Charlotte City leaders appear divided on the issue. Republican Councilmember Edwin Peacock told Fox News this week that it must be considered.
“There has been a continued increase in awareness of criminal activity in Charlotte. We certainly want CMPD and our state officials to help us as much as possible, but we must keep that option open,” Peacock said.
Mayor Vi Lyles, who Vance stated would have to give the go-ahead, does not see the need to request the guard. Lyles provided the following statement to Queen City News:
“We do not intend to request the National Guard. Charlotte has strong leaders from all sectors who are committed to keeping our community safe. We understand that the events of the last few weeks have raised awareness about the safety challenges we all face. We will continue to focus on what is necessary to ensure a safe and thriving Charlotte, including collaboration with federal, state, and local partners on community safety.”
