Birmingham, Alabama, September 20, 2025
News Summary
State Senator Arthur Orr has raised alarms regarding Birmingham’s escalating crime rates, especially homicides, calling for the possible deployment of the National Guard. He criticized the local leadership for ineffective action over the past few years and highlighted the need to bolster the understaffed police department. Governor Kay Ivey is also in discussions about troop deployment, although the mayor of Montgomery prefers investing in community resources. With the state facing high homicide rates, scrutiny on local governance is intensifying as officials strive to enhance public safety.
Birmingham, Alabama — State Senator Arthur Orr has expressed concerns over the rising crime rate in Birmingham, suggesting that the deployment of the National Guard may be a necessary measure if local leaders do not take significant action to mitigate the situation. During an interview on a local radio show, Orr highlighted the critical need for visible progress in addressing crime, particularly the murder rate, which has reached alarming levels in the city.
Orr criticized Birmingham’s leadership for an apparent lack of effective action over the past three to four years. He noted that the Birmingham police department is “tremendously understaffed,” which he believes has contributed to the city’s ongoing crime issues. The senator’s warnings come in the wake of successful crime reduction efforts in Memphis, where the National Guard was deployed. He indicated that a similar strategy could be employed in Birmingham if local authorities do not make serious changes to law enforcement practices.
Governor Kay Ivey has confirmed that Alabama is in discussion with the White House regarding the potential deployment of the National Guard, stating that the state is prepared to take action if necessary. She mentioned that a Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit is already operational, which involves multiple law enforcement agencies working together to improve safety in Birmingham and Montgomery.
The MACS Unit has previously achieved success in Montgomery, which has seen a decrease in crime this year. However, the mayor of Montgomery, Steven Reed, opposes the idea of deploying troops on the streets, advocating instead for increased investment in community resources to tackle crime.
Birmingham’s crime rate has raised significant concerns, with the city experiencing a record number of homicides in 2024. As of this year, there have been 57 reported homicides, with some signs of reduction from the previous year. Statewide, Alabama is grappling with one of the highest homicide rates in the nation, and Birmingham’s crime challenges have drawn criticism from national figures. Officials emphasize that ensuring public safety remains a top priority, as discussions about troop deployments continue.
While both Birmingham and Montgomery are currently not targeted for federal troop deployments, the implications of these discussions remain significant, as leaders assess the best approaches to combat rising crime rates. The situation continues to evolve, raising questions about the effectiveness of local leadership and law enforcement’s ability to manage public safety in Alabama’s second-largest city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns has State Sen. Arthur Orr raised about crime in Birmingham?
State Sen. Arthur Orr has warned of the potential deployment of the National Guard to Birmingham if local leaders do not show visible progress in addressing the city’s crime rate, particularly the murder rate.
What actions has Alabama’s leadership taken regarding crime in Birmingham?
Governor Kay Ivey has stated that Alabama is in contact with the White House regarding potential National Guard deployment. The state already has a Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit in place to enhance public safety in Birmingham and Montgomery.
How serious is the crime problem in Birmingham?
Birmingham’s crime rate has been concerning, with the city breaking its homicide record in 2024. As of this year, there have been 57 homicides reported, although there are indications of some reduction in crime compared to the previous year.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birmingham’s Crime Rate | High, with 57 homicides reported in 2025 and a record number in 2024. |
| Potential National Guard Deployment | Discussed by state officials as a measure to combat rising crime. |
| State Leadership | Governor Kay Ivey and State Sen. Arthur Orr have voiced concerns and proposed actions. |
| MACS Unit | Operational in Birmingham and Montgomery, aiming to reduce crime through collaboration. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Shooting Leaves One Dead and Another Injured
Assassination of Conservative Commentator Sparks Outrage
Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at Speaking Engagement
King Charles III Welcomes Trump: A Royal Visit to Alabama’s Heritage
Murder Charges Filed Against Birmingham Man in Coach’s Death
Timothy Lee Williams Convicted for Murder of Navy Veteran
Charlie Kirk’s Fatal Shooting: Examining Political Tensions
Daniel Watson Sentenced to Death for Double Homicide
Birmingham Man Killed in Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash
Alabama Governor Confirms Potential National Guard Deployment
Additional Resources
- 1819 News
- WSFA
- Yellowhammer News
- AL.com
- NBC 15
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- Google Search: Crime Rates in Alabama
- Google Scholar: Crime in Birmingham Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- Google News: National Guard Deployment
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
