On September 28, 2026, in Shreveport, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller and the FBI New Orleans Field Office hosted a press conference to announce the formation of the GATOR Task Force, a major new initiative to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Northwest Louisiana.
Governor Jeff Landry and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux were also in attendance.
U.S. Attorney Keller began the press conference by explaining that the newly launched GATOR Task Force—the Gun Crime Abatement and Targeted Offender Response Team—was initiated on July 9th, 2026, to confront violent crime through a unified, multi agency strategy. He emphasized that the Task Force is built around a core group of FBI Special Agents and FBI Task Force Officers from the Louisiana State Police, now working in coordination with every law enforcement agency in the region, including the Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Abatement Team, the Bossier, Caddo, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Offices, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, the Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, and others.
Mr. Keller said the Task Force enhances already existing partnerships and provides a centralized, rapid response capability focused on the offenders that drive violence. He detailed significant early results since the inception of the Task Force that include approximately 65 arrests and eight federal indictments along with multiple ongoing federal investigations, with seizures of over 400 pounds of marijuana and THC products, more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 25 firearms, and four stolen vehicles, demonstrating the Task Force’s immediate impact on violent crime and drug trafficking networks. Mr. Keller also highlighted the GATOR Task Force’s work in recent months, including its involvement in investigating and federally prosecuting Tre’veon Jackson.
Following Mr. Keller’s remarks, several law enforcement leaders, including the Governor, provided brief comments underscoring their support for the Task Force and its mission. Speakers included:
o Governor Landry
o Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans Division
o Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF New Orleans Field Division
o Frank Besson, Superintendent, Louisiana State Police
o Wayne Smith, Chief, Shreveport Police Department
o Henry Whitehorn, Sr., Caddo Parish Sheriff
o James E. Stewart, Sr., Caddo Parish District Attorney
Each expressed appreciation and dedication to the unified approach. It was noted that the GATOR Task Force represents one of the strongest collaborative efforts to combat violent crime in the region.