INDIANAPOLIS — Nine people died and several others were injured in Indianapolis from gun violence between Thursday afternoon and Monday morning.
"It makes no sense really. There is no rhyme or reason to any of this," IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor said.
City leaders said they just want people to put the guns down.
"It's a tragic weekend, and my heart goes out to all those families who were adversely impacted by this mindless menace of gun violence," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said.
Taylor said they work with other city agencies, like the Office of Public Health and Safety, and hope to mediate a situation before the violence happens.
"There are different ways for conflict resolution than picking up a gun," Tony Lopez, the Deputy Director of OPHS said.
OPHS said they partner with groups around the city to work with people who are around gun violence.
"What we're trying to do is create a safe space for people to come talk to us, to tell us what is the issue and what do you need that will prevent you from picking up that gun?," Lauren Rodriguez, the Director of OPHS said.
Chief Taylor said IMPD's role in the violence is reactionary.
"I can't predict when someone is going to be at the point where they have to stab someone or shoot somebody," Taylor said. "We would much rather you make that decision not to do those things before they do it."
As violent as the recent days have been, Indianapolis is still behind last year in terms of homicides. 68 this year compared to 79 at this time last year.
"We wake up every morning doing everything we can to make today safer than yesterday and tomorrow safer than today," Hogsett said.
-
Group gives away air conditioning units and shelters people during heat wave
The temperature in Hendricks County is expected to remain near the triple digits all week. Family Promise of Hendricks County is trying to keep the most at-risk people cool through the extreme heat.FIDO working to keep dogs safe in the heat
Kurtz is the executive director of Friend of Indianapolis Dogs Outside. The organization does rounds every day to help dogs they find outside, but are especially aware on days there's a heat advisory.Family remembers 3-year-old killed in deadly double shooting
A man and a 3-year-old are dead after a shooting on the northeast side of Indianapolis Monday night.Meet the entrepreneurs bringing their brands to The Stutz
St’Artup 317 is a retail accelerator program that connects Indy-based entrepreneurs with real estate opportunities.