City leaders announce first ‘Gun Free Zone’ at weekend music festival

City leaders announced the first use of a new “Gun Free Zone” policy at this weekend’s WonderRoad Music Festival at Garfield Park.

The step is one of several initiatives Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett laid out in his violence reduction plan last month. Private groups who have permits to hold events on leased out public property can request the space be “gun free.” Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers can then help organizers enforce the ban.

“Promoters want to make [WonderRoad] an experience that is first and foremost, all about fun in a safe environment.” Hogsett said at a news conference Thursday. “With today's partnership, that's exactly what they can expect.”

More than 14,000 people are expected to attend WonderRoad this weekend. Weapons detection systems from Evolv Technology will be piloted at the event, which use sensors and artificial intelligence.  Co-founder Anil Chitakra said the technology can screen 4,000 people in one hour. Additional security staff will be on-site, as well as law enforcement.

“It just makes sense,” said IMPD Deputy Chief Michael Wolley at Thursday’s news conference. “It makes sense to continue using technology as a preventative measure for these kinds of events. Our goal will always be to keep everyone safe. Technology can sometimes be the pathway to that goal.”

In addition to the “Gun Free Zone” policy, Hogsett’s strategy to reduce gun violence includes hiring attorneys to prosecute more violent offenders federally. Hogsett also introduced proposals that would regulate guns in Marion County, such as prohibiting the sale of assault weapons and ending permitless carry. The City-County Council will vote on those measures next month, but Indiana state law must change for them to take effect.

Hogsett said in a speech last month that the “Gun Free Zone” policy is an initiative that can be implemented now under current Indiana law.

Contact WFYI criminal justice reporter Katrina Pross at kpross@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @katrina_pross.

Pross is a Corps Member of Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project.