As warmer weather draws more people outside, Indianapolis is seeing an uptick in street activity and some violence — but overall, the city’s homicide numbers are trending closer to levels not seen in more than a decade, according to longtime anti-violence leader Rev. Charles Harrison of the Ten Point Coalition.
In a conversation at Barnes United Methodist Church, Harrison said that as spring arrived, patrols in traditional “hot spot” areas have observed more people out and more incidents. Still, he noted that current homicide numbers are well below the peak years of 2020–2022, and more in line with what the city saw between 2002 and 2012. Based on current trends, he estimates Indianapolis may be on pace for around 118 homicides, with fewer than 100 criminal homicides.
Harrison cautioned that it will take until around June to know whether this downward trajectory will hold through the summer, when violence has historically increased. He expressed guarded optimism that efforts over the last few years by law enforcement, community groups, and city leaders are starting to show results.
Harrison also discussed downtown safety and curfews, the recent shooting at the home of City-County Councilor Ron Gibson on the near east side, the harsh rhetoric in today’s politics and marijuana legalization.
The conversation runs for about 27 minutes.
