Sunday’s shooting at the Foodees Food and Culture Festival is heartbreaking, infuriating, and absolutely unacceptable. And it marks the end of a week filled with far too many acts of lawlessness and violence in our community – from the mass shooting at a Memphis Allies meeting to a child being shot while playing in their own front yard.
Enough is enough.
This latest act of violence took place at Tom Lee Park – one of our city’s crown jewels. Our riverfront is meant to be a place of joy, connection, and community. The reckless violence carried out during a community event shattered that purpose. My prayers are with the victim, the witnesses, and the families affected by this senseless act.
It is important to note that without advising MPD, event organizers elected not to have security in place for Sunday’s event. Thankfully, Memphis Police officers were staged just outside the event footprint and were able to respond within moments.
Let me be clear: we will pursue prosecution of this crime – and all violent crimes – to the fullest extent of the law.
Public spaces – especially our parks – should always feel welcoming, inviting, and safe. Taking steps to leave a life of violence should be met with peace and celebration. And playing in your yard should never be a dangerous endeavor.
We are not giving in to chaos. We are not standing down. We will continue doing all the hard work necessary to make Memphis stronger and safer. And that means if you create mayhem in Memphis, we will find you and we will push for quick prosecution. We will win the war against violence in Memphis. This is a promise.