Kansas City officials urged residents to celebrate Memorial Day weekend responsibly and be mindful of public safety, even as the city has seen a slight drop in homicides so far this year.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and Deputy Police Chief Joe Mabin highlighted that homicides in Kansas City are down 15% compared to the five-year average at this point in the year — the first time the rate has declined over the same period during Lucas’ two mayoral terms.
“While that is a very positive trend, we recognize that we have much more work ahead,” says Lucas. “We’re here to encourage everyone to stay safe this weekend and to refrain from violent behavior.”
Last year, KC saw seven homicides over the Memorial Day holiday, something the city hopes to avoid this year. Law enforcement plans a heightened presence throughout entertainment districts like the Country Club Plaza, downtown, and Westport to monitor for street racing, drunken driving and other public safety threats.
“We can’t do it on our own,” says Mabin. “We need your help. 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.”
Youth curfews also kick in over the weekend citywide:
- Minors 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult starting at 10 p.m.
- Youths 16 and 17 must have an adult companion starting at 11 p.m. citywide and 9 p.m. in designated entertainment districts like Westport and 18th & Vine.
The curfew lasts until 6 a.m. Officials said the goal is to encourage young people to avoid public spaces late at night and to engage in daytime activities provided by parks and recreation and other partners.
“Our goal is not to penalize, it’s not to punish,” says Lucas. “It’s instead to try and make sure that people know that they have good activities to be a part of and other things to do.”
As the city tries stamping out violence, Lucas and Mabin urged the public not to dismiss the importance of reducing gun crime.
“Every shooting in our city is a tragedy, every non-fatal shooting, every homicide,” says Lucas. “We don’t celebrate at any point until the point in which we have zero homicides and zero non-fatal shootings.”
Officials also expressed confidence that the public would be safe at Sunday’s “Celebration at the Station” event—the first major event at Union Station since a shooting after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade in February disrupted celebrations.
The Kansas City Symphony concert typically draws about 50,000 people. Law enforcement will have an extensive safety plan, with help from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
“I plan to be there with my family,” Lucas said. “We welcome all Kansas Citians to come back to what is to be an important annual public event.”
