TULSA, Okla. – In a direct response to a recent spate of violent incidents that have shaken the city’s core, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, flanked by law enforcement and city officials, announced a series of new public safety measures aimed at curbing violence and restoring a sense of security in the downtown area. The announcement, made at a press conference on Monday, June 23, 2025, comes on the heels of a particularly violent weekend that included a deadly mass shooting at the city’s Juneteenth festival.
The new initiatives, which will see an immediate and intensified law enforcement presence, are part of a multi-pronged approach that also addresses the root causes of violence through long-term community-based strategies.
“The recent acts of violence in our city, particularly those occurring in our downtown, are deeply troubling and unacceptable,” Mayor Nichols stated, his tone a mixture of resolve and solemnity. “These events have shown a pattern of brazen lawlessness by individuals who do not respect the lives of others or the authority of those tasked to keep people safe. This pattern of violence must be stopped.”
The immediate actions include an increased and more visible police presence in downtown Tulsa, with a focus on areas that have recently experienced high-profile altercations. Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen, also present at the conference, confirmed that his department is reallocating resources to ensure a more robust and responsive force in the city center, especially during evenings and weekends.
Beyond the immediate surge in police presence, Mayor Nichols outlined a broader strategy that includes investment in youth outreach programs and community-based violence intervention initiatives. While specific details of these programs are still being finalized, the mayor emphasized a commitment to a “holistic approach” that not only responds to crime but also seeks to prevent it.
The announcement was prompted by a series of recent shootings, most notably an incident at the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival on Saturday night that left one person dead and seven others wounded. The festive atmosphere of the celebration was shattered by gunfire, sending attendees fleeing in panic. In a separate incident the same weekend, a shooting at a warehouse party resulted in seven non-fatal injuries.
“We cannot and will not normalize this kind of harm in our community,” Mayor Nichols declared. “This city belongs to all of us, and we are strongest when we protect one another.”
The mayor was joined at the press conference by Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts and Tulsa City Council Vice Chair Karen Gilbert, signaling a unified front from the city’s leadership.
Details on the long-term strategies are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The mayor’s office indicated that these plans would involve collaboration with community partners, local organizations, and residents to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence.
The police investigation into the recent shootings remains active and ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information, particularly video footage from the Juneteenth Festival at the time of the shooting, to come forward to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As the new safety measures are implemented, the city of Tulsa holds its breath, hopeful that this decisive action will mark a turning point in the fight against a wave of violence that has left an indelible mark on the community.
