Indiana Governor Mike Braun Calls Out Hogsett, Mears
Indiana Governor Mike Braun: “Indianapolis’ Own Justice System Is Not Doing the Job”
INDIANAPOLIS–Indiana Governor Mike Braun said Wednesday that the state could intervene and take action over Indianapolis if violence continues.
“Indianapolis’ own justice system is not doing the job. I think the police department is, but the rest of the equation is not being carried out,” said Braun at a news conference.
Braun says reducing crime means intervention and enforcement.
“That’s what we need to see the city do a better job of. They have time to do it,” said Braun.
Braun announced that Indiana State Troopers will be called into Indianapolis to help keep the peace and ensure safety this weekend.
Thousands of visitors are expected downtown because of the the WNBA All-Star Game and the Indiana Black Expo.
What has Braun and other elected leaders concerned is the mass shooting that happened in downtown Indianapolis on the Fourth of July weekend.
He also called out Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.
“If they keep having that dereliction of responsibility and duty, it would force the state, and the legislature, my involvement as well. This is just the clarion call to do something different,” adding he “respects that (Indianapolis is) its own jurisdiction,” said Braun.
Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Spokesperson Michael Leffler released the following statement in response to Governor Braun:
This week alone Marion County Prosecutors have sentenced five people to significant sentences on murder cases, filed five additional murder charges, charged seven other people who were downtown on the July 4 weekend— bringing that total to 11 (and counting). Just today prosecutors secured a six-year prison sentence for a man who groped a woman downtown.
These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to actively prosecuting violent crime. Prosecutors and our law enforcement partners in Marion County will continue to focus on our community— not on politics.
