Indiana Governor Braun Silent on Potential Riots as Protests Sweep Nation including Indy this Weekend

Picture taken by Indiana Capital Chronicles (Propaganda News)

Indiana Governor Braun Silent on Potential Riots as Protests Sweep Nation

Indianapolis, IN – June 12, 2025 – As protests sweep across the United States, igniting riots in cities such as Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL, and New York City, NY, Indiana Governor Mike Braun has yet to address whether the state is preparing for potential unrest this Saturday. With tensions escalating nationwide, the Hoosier Enquirer sought answers from state and local officials regarding Indiana’s readiness, but responses remain elusive.

Hoosier Enquirer President Bob Kern spoke with an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer patrolling Capitol Street about the city’s preparations. The officer, speaking anonymously, stated, “We are prepared, and we will not stand down like leadership told us in 2020.” When asked who instructed IMPD to stand down during the 2020 riots, the officer replied, “Joe, of course,” referring to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, a Democrat.

The 2020 riots in Indianapolis, sparked by the death of George Floyd, resulted in significant destruction downtown, with businesses looted, public monuments defaced, and two fatalities reported. Reports from that time criticized Mayor Hogsett’s administration for a delayed response, including not imposing a curfew until after two nights of violence. Then-Governor Eric Holcomb deployed the Indiana National Guard to secure state properties, but only after considerable damage had occurred.

On Tuesday, the Hoosier Enquirer sent emails to the City of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Police, and Governor Mike Braun’s office seeking clarification on plans to address potential riots this weekend. As of this publication, no responses have been received. This silence contrasts with the IMPD officer’s assertion of readiness, suggesting a possible disconnect between city leadership and law enforcement’s current stance. A recent post on X by the Hoosier Enquirer specifically asked Governor Braun about plans to prevent a repeat of 2020’s chaos, but no reply has been issued.

The officer’s reference to 2020 raises questions about the city’s past handling of civil unrest. A 2021 independent review commissioned by Mayor Hogsett faulted IMPD for inadequate preparation and training, noting that police tactics, such as the use of riot gear, may have escalated tensions. The report also highlighted Hogsett’s delayed curfew decision as a contributing factor to the prolonged violence.

With protests intensifying across the country, Indianapolis residents and business owners are increasingly anxious. The memory of 2020’s devastation—estimated at $8 million in property damage—remains vivid. Governor Braun, who took office in January 2025, has emphasized public safety in his Freedom and Opportunity Agenda, including support for a bill that increases penalties for crimes like fentanyl trafficking and attacks on police. However, his administration has not yet publicly outlined specific measures to address potential riots this weekend.

As Saturday approaches, the absence of public statements from Braun, Hogsett, or the Indiana State Police leaves uncertainty about Indianapolis’s preparedness. The IMPD officer’s confidence in law enforcement’s readiness offers some reassurance, but without clear communication from state and city leadership, Hoosiers are left questioning whether Indianapolis can avoid the fate of other cities now facing riots.

Hoosier Enquirer will continue to seek answers and provide updates as the situation develops.

Written by Hoosier Enquirer