Braun calls out Hogsett, Mears over recent Indianapolis violence: 'What have they been doing?'

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun criticized Indianapolis city leaders and the Marion County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday, laying the blame for recent downtown violence at the feet of failed leadership.




"They shoulder near full responsibility," Braun said of Mayor Joe Hogsett and Prosecutor Ryan Mears.




During an afternoon press conference, Braun announced that Indiana State Troopers will be called into the city to help keep the peace and ensure safety this weekend. Thousands of visitors are expected downtown as weekend events like the WNBA All-Star Game and the Indiana Black Expo take over the Circle City.




"We've got a really big weekend coming up ahead of us.... we need to see a significant crackdown on what's occurring in our own state capital," Braun said.




The governor pointed out how mere weeks ago another big event, the Fourth of July, brought thousands of people to downtown Indianapolis. The city ended up making national news for "the wrong reasons," Braun said.




IMPD Chief Chris Bailey previously recounted the night of "lawlessness" as unsupervised youths, some openly armed with guns, ran amok in the city. The reckless violence was capped off with a mass shooting that left two juveniles dead and five other people injured.




"It's becoming too commonplace," Braun said of Indianapolis violence. "I respect the fact (the city is its own) jurisdiction, has its own leaders, but it begs the question, 'What have they been doing?'"




Braun praised the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, saying the police officers are doing their job but are being failed by the city's leadership and the prosecutor's office.




"Reducing crime means intervention and enforcement. That's what we need to see the city do a better job," Braun said. "Their own police department is saying so."




Braun's criticisms were heaped heavily upon both Hogsett and Mears, with Braun pointing out that holding "noncompliant prosecutors" accountable was a major part of his Freedom and Opportunity Public Safety Agenda.




"Indianapolis's own justice system is not doing the job," Braun said.




The Marion County Prosecutor's Office has already charged multiple juveniles in connection with the July 4 violent weekend. On Wednesday, the prosecutor charged seven people with charges ranging from criminal recklessness to illegal possession of a firearm.




This isn't the first wave of charges resulting from the chaotic Fourth of July weekend, either. Last week, four teenagers were hit with gun charges, including a 13-year-old who was walking around downtown Indy armed with a gun.




When asked how Braun would recommend Mears and Hogsett crack down on violence, the governor said, "Just start doing something differently from what you've been doing. That's not been working."




State police officials said Hoosiers and visitors can expect an increased police presence as state troopers join IMPD officers in patrolling the city in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable time in the state's capital this weekend.




Hogsett sent a statement to FOX59/CBS4 on Wednesday afternoon in response to Braun's comments:




"The City of Indianapolis is always appreciative of the longstanding partnership of the IMPD, Indiana State Police, and federal partners to ensure the safety of large-scale events like the WNBA All-Star Weekend and Indiana Black Expo.




My Administration remains laser-focused on ensuring that those who enjoy our Downtown this weekend, next weekend, and in the future are safe. And we are continuing to add new tools to support law enforcement in this effort.




The City is committed to not just the safety of Downtown, but the safety of every neighborhood. The numbers don't lie- violence, including criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings, are continuing to trend downward each and every year. Our gun violence reduction strategy is saving lives."




- Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett





via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/braun-calls-out-hogsett-mears-over-recent-indianapolis-violence-what-have-they-been-doing/