UPDATE: Indiana’s Attorney General Todd Rokita has urgently requested President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to Indianapolis following a weekend marked by escalating violence. This plea comes after reports indicate at least 10 people were shot in the city, including two teenagers, one of whom tragically lost their life.
The violence erupted over the weekend, with multiple incidents reported. In one alarming case, three individuals were shot inside a downtown bar early Sunday morning. Another shooting occurred on the sidewalk near Meridian and Georgia streets, heightening calls for immediate action. Rokita expressed his concerns on social media platform X, stating, “Another violent weekend in our state’s capital. It’s shameful that this is a regular occurrence.”
He emphasized the need for law enforcement intervention, urging, “President Trump should absolutely add Indianapolis to his list of cities to send the National Guard to. It would be welcomed to get this violence under control.”
The attorney general’s comments reflect growing frustration over the city’s safety crisis. In light of this summer’s violent incidents, including a deadly July 4 weekend, Rokita’s call underscores the urgency for enhanced security measures. Earlier in July, the Indiana State Police provided additional support to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) during the WNBA All-Star weekend due to similar concerns.
In response, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a statement firmly opposing the request for armed troops on the streets, arguing that such measures would not enhance safety. “Improving public safety requires listening to communities and building trust,” he stated, highlighting pressing issues such as food insecurity and skyrocketing living costs faced by over 100,000 Indianapolis residents.
Hogsett advocated for more comprehensive gun regulations and greater accountability for problem bars as essential steps toward reducing violence, rather than militarizing the streets. “The City of Indianapolis remains focused on our gun violence reduction strategy, which has driven significant reductions in criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings in our community since 2022,” he added.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Indiana National Guard confirmed that they were not aware of any plans to send troops to the city and directed inquiries back to the governor’s office for further comment.
As this situation unfolds, the demand for action to curb the violence grows louder, sparking debates on public safety measures and community trust. Residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this weekend’s chaos, seeking a path forward in a city plagued by violence.
Stay tuned for updates as local officials and law enforcement continue to respond to this urgent crisis.
