Governor Shapiro highlights a decrease in violent crime in Chester and discusses his authority over the National Guard amid threats from Trump.

In a significant development for the city of Chester, Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro proclaimed it a “model for other cities” on Wednesday, attributing this positive shift to a collaborative campaign against gun violence. This declaration coincides with the fifth anniversary of a concerted crime reduction initiative, which involved Shapiro’s administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware County law enforcement, and local Chester officials.

According to Shapiro, violent crime in Chester experienced a notable decline of approximately 15% from 2020 to 2024, while gun-related shootings decreased by an impressive 50% during the same period. These figures align with a broader national trend of decreasing crime rates, including in nearby Philadelphia, which has reported a historic reduction in murders and significant declines in gun violence.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer joined Shapiro in highlighting a resurgence in Chester, a city that has faced economic challenges and rising violent crime rates in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stollsteimer attributed the success of the recently implemented data-driven law enforcement strategies to the marked reduction in gun violence. He noted that Chester recorded no gun-related homicides over the summer, a notable achievement that indicates the safest period the city has experienced in decades. Reports from the Chester police confirm there was only one homicide this summer, a substantial drop from seven in the previous year.

Stollsteimer further emphasized the critical role played by Shapiro’s administration in providing essential resources—both staffing and financial support—through the Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force and the inclusion of additional state troopers in local operations. He specifically acknowledged State Senator John Kane’s efforts in securing approximately .6 million in grants for community and law enforcement programs through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, reinforcing the state’s commitment to addressing violence.

In a related matter, Shapiro reaffirmed his administration’s readiness in the event of President Donald Trump deploying National Guard troops to Pennsylvania. The governor asserted his authority over the state’s National Guard, emphasizing that any deployments must be handled at the state level. He underscored the importance of maintaining command authority over state troops while expressing concern over potential conflicts stemming from federal involvement.

This ongoing initiative in Chester stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative approaches toward crime reduction, demonstrating that strategic partnerships and data-driven tactics can lead to revitalization in communities previously plagued by violence.