Tulsa mayor announces plan to address city's gun violence, proposed downtown curfew

Mayor Monroe Nichols announced new public safety measures following a series of downtown shootings, including a proposed downtown curfew for people 17 and younger.

Monday, June 23rd 2025, 2:28 pm

By: Jonathan Polasek, Graham Dowers

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols Housing Announcment Feb 24

TULSA, Okla. -

In response to a string of recent shootings, including a deadly incident during Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival, city leaders are planning to announce new steps to address gun violence and public safety concerns.

Mayor Monroe Nichols, joined by Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts, Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen, and Tulsa City Council Vice Chair Karen Gilbert, held a news conference on Monday, June 23, at 2:30 p.m.

Nichols stated that a proposed ordinance to implement a mandatory 9 p.m. curfew for individuals aged 17 and younger will be voted on Wednesday. Vice Chair Karen Gilbert said this curfew could go into effect as early as Thursday if signed.

In a statement released ahead of the announcement, Mayor Nichols condemned the violence and pledged both immediate and long-term action:

"The recent acts of violence in our city - particularly those occurring Downtown - are deeply troubling and unacceptable. These events are showing a pattern of brazen lawlessness by individuals who don't respect the lives of others or the authority of those tasked to keep people safe.

"This pattern of violence must be stopped as this city belongs to all of us, and we are strongest when we protect one another. We cannot and will not normalize this kind of harm in our community.

"That being said, I have directed our police chief and public safety team to intensify their efforts Downtown and across the city. At the same time, we’re investing in long-term strategies to address the root causes of violence - through youth outreach and community-based violence intervention. I will also be announcing new measures tomorrow on how we will be taking back our city from this harm.

"Today, my prayers are with the victims and their families who were caught up in these senseless acts of violence, and those involved in these violent acts will be held accountable."

The announcement comes after a weekend of gunfire that left at least one person dead and several others injured in downtown Tulsa. Law enforcement agencies are still investigating multiple incidents and have not yet released full details.