In March, Black faith leaders protested a bill that could allow the state to take control of the police force in Montgomery, Alabama, citing Montgomery's police officer shortage and public concern over unchecked crime. The bill was approved over objections from the city's mayor, police chief, and state senator, Kirk Hatcher. Critics argue it is a power grab aimed at a Democratic-led, majority-Black city. Similar efforts have taken place in other states, including Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, as Republican lawmakers push for state takeovers of police departments and municipal agencies in Democratic cities often with significant Black populations. Many of the nation's highest murder rates are located in Republican-led states but governed by Democrats.