KC mayor, police discuss homicide trends, safety ahead of Memorial Day weekend
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As people get ready for the holiday weekend, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas alongside the Kansas City Police Department took the opportunity ahead of the festivities to talk about homicide trends and safety.
Last Memorial Day weekend, seven people were killed.
But a large part of this news conference focused on the on going problem with violent crime across Kansas City.
“We can announce today that Kansas City is trending in the right direction. Homicides are down by 15% compared to the five year average at this point. We recognize that we have much more work ahead,” Lucas said.
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That work will include tackling the gun violence problem as a whole. While homicides numbers year over year are down, more people this year are getting shot, the only difference is that more people have survived.
The city is seeing a 30% increase in non-fatal shootings in 2024 than what they saw in 2023.
“I think every shooting in our city is a tragedy, every non-fatal shooting and every homicide. All of us are in it together to make sure that we don’t continue to hear stories like that one,” Lucas said.
Along with discussing gun violence, the two also spent time talking about their desire to start cracking down on street racing, sideshows and intoxicated drivers.
With Memorial Day weekend upon us, the city’s curfew for minors for the summer starts.
Anyone 15 years of age or younger must be with an adult after 10 p.m.
For 16 and 17 year olds, that time is 11 p.m. In entertainment districts all minors must be with an adult starting at 9 p.m. These curfews apply city wide.
“We’re asking people to leave their guns at home and not let arguments and disturbances lead to violence call the police before things escalate. Violence anywhere in Kansas City is a harm to everyone in Kansas City. Together we can make this weekend safe and enjoyable,” Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin said.
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Celebration at the station will also be held outside of Union Station this Sunday. That’s the first big event there since the deadly shooting following the Chiefs rally shooting.
KCPD says they are ready and will have the appropriate security there.
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