INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A shooting in downtown Indianapolis during Fourth of July weekend left two teenagers dead and five others injured near the Indianapolis Artsgarden, prompting a strong response from local law enforcement.

Following the shooting, city councilors said they will consider imposing a youth curfew two hours earlier each night than required by state law.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) announced an increased police presence over the upcoming weekend, urging parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent further violence.

“I stand here today angry and heartbroken and frustrated that too many lives are being lost,” said Chris Bailey, chief of police for IMPD. “Too many families are grieving, and too many young people are growing up around gun violence and trauma.”

Maj. Corey Mims, who leads IMPD’s Community Engagement & Outreach Bureau, emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing violence.

“Our message to the community is be informed, be curious as to where your kids are, who your kids are with, and what they’re doing,” Mims said. “I think that message alone will help keep our city safe, not just our downtown area, but our city as a whole.”

IMPD is collaborating with churches, youth groups, and mentors to provide teens with safer spaces and better choices. However, Mims stressed that the effort must begin at home.

“It takes everybody,” Mims said. “It takes a village. Law enforcement, no matter how many of us there is, we cannot solve this issue alone.”

The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) released a statement urging citizens to demand changes in the criminal justice system from elected officials. Indy FOP called for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and courts to “close the revolving door of criminal justice” to ensure accountability for violent behavior. The city’s juvenile curfew remains in effect, with a curfew of 11 p.m. for teens under 15 and 1 a.m. for those aged 15-17. Police warn that violating the curfew could have serious consequences, potentially leading to more young lives lost.

With the IMPD’s increased presence and community efforts, Indianapolis aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safer environment for its residents.

“You can expect, if they’re engaged in illegal activity, there will be consequences,” Mims said. “If anyone including youth is engaged in violent behavior, we will take law enforcement actions to deal with those situations.”

Related coverage

• IMPD increases police presence after deadly shooting in downtown Indianapolis
• Youth mentors say curfew proposal could work but not a cure-all
• What needs to change so Indianapolis can handle more curfew detentions
• Indianapolis mayor, IMPD pledge changes after overnight juvenile violence
• Youth mentorship program tries to address youth violence in Indianapolis

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