LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s brand new mayor—and the city’s top cop—drew a hard line in the sand against deadly gun violence in the city. They’re calling for the community to come together to end the violence.

What You Need To Know

  • In the first 10 days of 2023, Louisville documented gun-related 10 homicides

  • Mayor Greenberg said his administration is working with the IT department on additional software for detectives to solve crimes quicker

  • Greenberg said his administration is working on speeding up turnaround times for DNA evidence

  • He called the recent homicides “unacceptable” and “tragic”

So far this year, Louisville has seen 10 homicides. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, joined by dozens of community members, faith leaders and others, gathered at Metro Hall Wednesday in Downtown Louisville calling for an end to the murders in the city, and stop the gun violence.

“That is simply unacceptable. It’s tragic.” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg explained. “These are not just numbers, these are people. We are here today because we are one city plagued by a violent crime emergency.”

Jason Buckner knows that pain. His brother is one of ten people who died from gun violence so far this year.

“My brother was the type that loved video games. He loved music.” said Buckner.

He says his 42-year-old brother, a musician, entrepreneur, Jeremiah “Ekoe” Buckner, was shot in this area of the Russell neighborhood on his way home from work, on Jan. 3, 2023. His brother was a founding member of the singing group Linkin’ Bridge.

“It is surreal, to be honest with you.” Jason Buckner explained. 

Wednesday, Mayor Greenberg said every one of us has been touched by gun violence. LMPD Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel said she lost her nephew a few weeks ago to gun violence. An officer’s colleague lost a cousin to gun violence on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, LMPD’s chief echoed the Mayor saying this violence is unacceptable. She spoke directly to victims’ families.

“I want you to actually hear me. That we are passionate about making sure that we bring your case in this situation to close. That we give you the justice that you need, that you deserve, and that you require.” LMPD Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel said.

Mayor Greenberg said he and Gwinn-Villaroel are working on proper solutions right now.

“Some might be small quick fixes that incrementally help. Things like when I heard from some of the detectives that they needed additional software so they could solve crimes quicker. Today, we’re working with our IT department to make that happen for them so they have that access. We heard about the need for faster turnaround time, so when there’s DNA evidence, we can get the results back quicker.” Mayor Greenberg explained.

Greenberg said they also need help from the public.

“We are calling on everyone in our city to join us, to be an agent of change and stop the gun violence.” Mayor Greenberg explained.

Buckner is an agent of change—as founder of a nonprofit called the Dark Knights that aims to deter people from a life of crime. As the city addresses Louisville homicides, Buckner hopes people have a seat at the table.

“I want to make sure that the smallest, weakest, shortest man to ever live on this planet in poverty is a part of this discussion and that his needs and concerns are met,” Buckner said.

His brother Ekoe’s celebration of life is being held this coming Monday. 

Greenberg also said they’re going to bring together a community-wide meeting in the coming days, with action-oriented discussion, about everyone who wants to be part of the solution can and should do to stop the violence.

If you are a part of, or want to be part of, organizations that work to stop the violence, Greenberg’s administration wants to hear from you. Call (502) 574 2003.

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