Democratic Mayor Quinton Lucas, who previously advocated for defunding police efforts, is now pushing for more patrols in areas plagued by crime following the fatal shooting of a beloved chef.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been a vocal advocate for defunding police efforts, has reversed his stance and is now calling for an increase in police presence in the city's crime-stricken areas. This sudden shift comes after the tragic shooting death of Shaun Brady, a popular chef and co-owner of Brady & Fox Restaurant & Lounge.
Brady was fatally shot outside his restaurant on August 28, leaving the community in mourning. His death sparked outrage and renewed calls for action to address the city's rampant gun violence. Lucas, who previously supported efforts to reduce police funding, has now acknowledged the need for a more proactive approach to public safety.
Kansas City Mayor Reverses Stance, Calls for Increased Police Presence Amid Violence Surge
In a statement, Lucas expressed his heartbreak over Brady's death and acknowledged the rise in violent crime in the city. He emphasized the concerns of business owners who have witnessed a surge in property and nuisance crimes in various neighborhoods.
"For years now, but more acutely in recent months, business owners in Brookside and Waldo, but also along Prospect, in the Crossroads, and throughout too much of our city have expressed serious concerns about a rise in property and nuisance crimes plaguing their stores, their parking lots, and their customers," Lucas wrote.
Kansas City Mayor Reverses Stance, Calls for Increased Police Presence Amid Violence Surge
Lucas recognized the staffing challenges faced by the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), but he stressed the importance of deploying officers more effectively to combat the ongoing criminal activity. He called for increased patrols in areas reeling from break-ins, car thefts, and other nuisance offenses.
"Acknowledging the very real personnel staffing challenges we face, we must continue to work with KCPD and the public to best deploy officers to increase patrols in areas reeling from ongoing criminal behavior, such as break-ins, car thefts, and other repeat nuisance offenses," Lucas said.
The mayor's reversal of stance has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Some residents have expressed support for the increased police presence, while others remain skeptical of its effectiveness in curbing crime.
Two teenagers have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Brady's death. They have also been charged with attempted stealing. They remain in detention at the Jackson County Courthouse.
Brady, a beloved member of the Kansas City Irish community, is survived by his wife and two young children. He was known for his culinary skills and his passion for bringing people together through food and celebration.
The Kansas City Irish Festival paid tribute to Brady in a Facebook statement, describing him as a bright light in the community. "His restaurant, Brady and Fox, was a place where many in the Irish community gathered. It was one of Shaun's greatest gifts to bring people together with his culinary creations."
The city's rampant gun violence made national headlines in February when shots were fired during the city's Super Bowl parade, leaving one person killed and more than 20 injured. Kansas City recorded its deadliest year on record in 2023 with 182 homicides, according to the KCPD's daily homicide analysis.
Lucas, who in 2022 sued the state of Missouri over a new law that required the city to increase funding for its police department, now acknowledges the need to address the city's public safety concerns through both increased police presence and community engagement. However, the long-term effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen.
