A weekend fire that destroyed a Baltimore school playground has reignited a broader fight over how Maryland should respond to youth crime.

Two suspects, ages 12 and 13, were arrested in connection to the fire, which reportedly caused more than $100,000 in damage, WBFF reported. Images posted on Facebook by the Baltimore City Fire Department Engine 57 show flames towering over a charred play structure.

While the arson case alarmed parents and neighbors, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore defended the state’s strategy and pointed to falling violence statewide.

President Donald Trump, by contrast, said Sunday that he would send the National Guard to Baltimore to “quickly clean up the crime” if Moore asked for help. Moore has rejected calls to consider deploying the National Guard to assist local police, though.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is seen here during the State of the State address in Annapolis, Md., on Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Moore’s newly appointed Department of Juvenile Services secretary, Betsy Fox Tolentino, acknowledged the public’s frustration but insisted progress is being made.

“I think everyone’s concerns are valid concerns,” Tolentino told the outlet. “We have made a lot of progress, especially in Baltimore, in driving down violent crime, and that includes juvenile crime. But until every person feels safe, and the community has trust and confidence in the department, we certainly have work to do.”

Moore’s communications director, David Turner, doubled down late Monday, saying that “public safety remains the governor’s top priority,” and that the administration continues to work with state and local partners to increase accountability.

“As Maryland’s chief executive, there is no higher priority than public safety. Though juvenile crime numbers across Maryland continue to drop, we will continue to work in partnership with the general assembly, state’s attorneys, local leaders, and advocates to promote accountability for criminal acts and take swift action to keep our communities safe,” Moore’s office shared in a statement with Fox News Digital.

Moore’s office told Fox News Digital that the state’s programs are working and there have been “encouraging results.” 

“But the work is not done,” his office said. “One person who doesn’t feel safe in their community is too many and Governor Moore will continue his all-of-the-above approach to public safety to make our communities safer and hold violent offenders accountable.

Community leaders have begun organizing to rebuild the school playground.

“Today was a tough day. My heart is heavy, and I’m feeling so many emotions right now,” Kendra Summers commented on a Facebook post of the damage shared by Baltimore City Fire Department’s Engine 57. “Our school playground, a space that has meant so much to our students, families, and staff, was destroyed by arson. It’s hard to process, especially with the first day of school just around the corner on Monday.”

Summers said despite the fire, she was “choosing to focus on the good” and reminisce on the journey of the playground’s construction, which took place in May 2019. 

“This community is resilient, and while today’s events are heartbreaking, I know we will rise above them. We will rebuild, and we will continue to grow,” she added. 

The fire department also encouraged the community to come together to help rebuild the playground.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Baltimore City Public School District for comment. 

Fox News’ Amanda Macias contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides, and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.