00:00So I am thrilled to be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to announce the designation of East Baton Rouge
00:09as a model city by the United States Department of Justice.
00:14This program is just one of many steps the Trump administration has taken to support
00:20our law enforcement officers and restore the rule of law in America's neighborhoods, cities, and towns.
00:33Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Justice is investing nearly $64 million
00:40through the Model Cities Initiative to help the people of East Baton Rouge Parish reduce violent crime
00:47while also making this great city safer and stronger.
00:58This figure represents the commitment that we are ready to announce today,
01:03and we are continuing to work with the parish and law enforcement officials,
01:07many of whom are on this stage behind me, to allocate additional funds toward the parish's important work.
01:13These funds will be distributed to the parish over the next three years,
01:17with the next two months focused on finalizing operational plans and law enforcement surges
01:23beginning in the first weeks of 2027.
01:27I want to recognize the people standing behind me for their tireless work that got us here today,
01:32including Governor Jeff Landry,
01:38Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell,
01:43East Baton Rouge Mayor President Sid Edwards,
01:47and I also want to recognize your great senators,
01:50Senator Cassidy, who's here today,
01:54and Senator Kennedy, who both of them represent you guys so well in Washington, D.C.
01:59I also want to acknowledge Kelly LeDuff.
02:03Now, he's worked tirelessly on the grants and application process
02:08that led to Baton Rouge being awarded what it's being awarded today.
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