Indy’s mayoral candidates are responding to the recent violence in Indy that has left several people dead.

The city’s murder rate has skyrocketted this summer to 85 criminal homicides.

Five people were shot dead over the weekend and since June 30, there have more than 30 murders, and more than half the victims were under 18.

Indy Politics reached out to the two major candidates for Mayor for their responses.

Chuck Brewer…

  • “My heart goes out to the victims and families whose lives are forever changed. The tragedies that occurred over the weekend are a reminder that we must do more to reduce violent crime in our city.  It is particularly concerning that several of these incidents involved teenagers. We cannot rest until we find ways to engage our young people and steer them on a path that doesn’t involve gangs, drugs and violence. As part of my 12-point public safety plan, I am advocating for the addition of civilian social resource officers to work with IMPD and focus on outreach to at-risk individuals and their families, providing them with access to intervention, counseling and alternatives to a life of crime. We also need to increase our support to community organizations like the Ten Point Coalition as they work to intervene and deescalate potentially violent situations. There is no single solution but we must continue to work and support the efforts of those who are committed to making our community safer.”
Joe Hogsett
  • “Steph and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the friends and families of those affected by these recent tragedies, as well as the Indianapolis law enforcement community.   The last four days provide a sobering reminder of how much work remains to be done to address the scourge of violent crime that grips too many neighborhoods in Indianapolis. It is critical that our city come together and take meaningful steps to combat the combination of illegally-possessed guns, drugs, and poverty that fuels this deadly cycle of violence.  Should we fail to heed this moral obligation, we risk losing yet another generation of young Indianapolis residents. We cannot allow that to happen.”