Greenwood community wants more input on safety and security for future events after deadly shooting

Community leaders in the Greenwood District are calling for change after a man was killed and seven others were hurt in a shooting during the Juneteenth Festival. Some say they have previously raised concerns about safety issues.

Greenwood leaders say main focus is on the victims

Greenwood Chamber president Freeman Culver said the most important thing right now is supporting the family of Isaiah Knight and the other people hurt in the shooting.

"This has affected families, this has affected the historic memory of Juneteenth--the great jubilee that's right here on Greenwood," said Culver. "We don't want that. We can't have that."

Knight's family was in attendance during a news conference called by Culver and other leaders.

Leaders share concerns

Greenwood stakeholders say event organizers and city departments failed to take any action following the deadly shooting. They claim the City of Tulsa and event organizers have not contacted the Knight family in the aftermath.

Business owners are also frustrated because they had to manage the cleanup and crisis response without any assistance from the city after the shooting.

Greenwood business owners note recurring concerns

Some of the store owners say they have raised concerns about safety issues in the Greenwood District. Those concerns include poor lighting, overflowing trash and unclear crowd management plans.

Calls for change

Culver and other Greenwood leaders say they want more input on public safety and security plans for future events in the district. They also call for new permit guidelines and oversight in city event approval processes.

What's Next?

A community input meeting is set for Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. at the Honey Love Wing Supreme restaurant inside the Greenwood District. Greenwood leaders plan to present safety proposals.

Previous Coverage

1. What we know: Security plans for Juneteenth Festival
2. 'A sad situation:' Witness shares account of Tulsa Juneteenth Festival shooting
3. 'Setting the record straight:' Sheriff, police chief clear up confusion about Tulsa Juneteenth Festival security
4. Tulsa pastor responds to Juneteenth Festival shooting with prayer, action, and hope
5. 'Breaks my heart': Tulsa Juneteenth Festival shooting victim's loved one speaks out
6. Tulsa Police Chief Creates Gun Violence Task Force in Response to Juneteenth Festival Shooting, Weekend Shootings Involving Teens
7. 1 dead, 7 hurt in shooting during Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival
8. Tulsa's Juneteenth Festival Shooting: MaKayla Glenn Reflects on Chaotic Moments During Community Celebration