IndyStar Columnist Faces Backlash for Comments Encouraging Violence in Downtown Indianapolis

Indy Star James Briggs under fire for defending violence against citizens of Indy.

By Hoosier Enquirer

Indianapolis, IN – May 29, 2025 – IndyStar opinion editor and columnist James Briggs has sparked controversy after defending a group of individuals brandishing AR-style rifles in downtown Indianapolis during the Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference Finals game on May 27, 2025. The incident, captured in a video posted by Indy Reporter on X, allegedly showed a group of Knicks fans intimidating local Pacers supporters while shouting derogatory remarks, including “F* the Pacers.” The video has ignited a heated debate about public safety, gun laws, and journalistic responsibility in Indiana’s capital city.

The Incident

The video, shared by Indy Reporter, depicts a group of individuals openly carrying rifles, including what appears to be an AR-style pistol, in downtown Indianapolis near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers faced the Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The post by Indy Reporter stated: “Group of Knicks Fans Roaming Downtown Indy With Assault Rifle Shouts ‘F* The Pacers’ While Intimidating Local Fan.” The post tagged the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and its chief, asking whether authorities would investigate the incident.

The behavior of the group, described as intimidating by onlookers, has raised questions about whether their actions violated Indiana laws, particularly those related to criminal intimidation (Indiana Code 35-45-2-1) and disorderly conduct. One X user commented, “What you’re missing is the fact that intimidation is a crime in Indiana,” citing the relevant statute. Another user noted, “Lmao at the dude with the AR pistol in his pants. Love the felony avoidance on that one. This might be criminal intimidation. Also brandishing. But that’s for the courts to decide.” A third user, identified as Kyle C, suggested the possibility of disorderly conduct charges, stating, “Perhaps, disorderly conduct as well if they were asked to stop.”

James Briggs’ Controversial Response

Briggs, who rejoined IndyStar as opinion editor and columnist in January 2024 after a stint at Axios, reposted Indy Reporter’s video on X with the comment: “Unless I’m missing something, everything depicted in these images is legal in Indiana. To conservatives who find this unsavory, I’m curious what specific problems you see and what legislation you’d support to enable a police response.” His statement drew immediate backlash from X users who accused him of downplaying the seriousness of the incident and potentially encouraging dangerous behavior.

In response to Kyle C’s suggestion of disorderly conduct, Briggs replied, “I’d suppose no one asked them to stop unless some drunk Pacers fan was feeling it,” a comment that critics interpreted as dismissive and inflammatory. People are now calling on IndyStar to address their columnist’s stance, accusing him of “encouraging violence against citizens in Indy.”

Legal Context in Indiana

Indiana is an open-carry state, meaning individuals can legally carry firearms in public without a concealed carry permit, provided they are not prohibited from possessing firearms. However, Indiana Code 35-45-2-1 defines intimidation as communicating a threat with the intent to place another person in fear of retaliation or to force them to engage in conduct against their will. Brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner could potentially meet this definition, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, disorderly conduct laws may apply if the behavior disrupts public peace or safety, particularly if authorities or bystanders requested the group to cease their actions.

Critics of Briggs’ comments argue that his focus on the legality of open carry overlooked the intimidating nature of the group’s behavior, especially in the context of a high-energy event like the Knicks vs. Pacers game, which drew large crowds to downtown Indianapolis. The Pacers, leading the series 3-1 after a 130-121 victory in Game 4, faced the Knicks in a highly charged atmosphere, with Game 5 coinciding with the Indy 500 weekend, dubbed “Pacers and Racers” day. The presence of armed individuals shouting derogatory remarks added to the tension in an already electric environment.

IndyStar and Briggs’ Background

According to IndyStar’s website, James Briggs has been a prominent voice in Indianapolis journalism. He served as a columnist for IndyStar from October 2019 to December 2022 before working as a reporter at Axios. He returned to IndyStar in January 2024 as opinion editor and columnist. Briggs holds a master’s degree in business journalism from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Michigan University. He lives in Irvington with his wife and two children. The IndyStar website emphasizes that its journalists adhere to the USA TODAY Network Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms.

The Hoosier Enquirer reached out to IndyStar for comment on Briggs’ statements and the accusations that he was encouraging gun violence. As of this publication, IndyStar has not responded.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The controversy has fueled a broader discussion about gun culture, public safety, and the role of journalists in shaping public discourse. On X, sentiments range from outrage at Briggs’ perceived defense of the armed group to debates about Indiana’s gun laws. Some users expressed concern about the safety of downtown Indianapolis during major events, particularly with the Pacers’ playoff run drawing large crowds. Others defended the right to open carry, arguing that the individuals in the video were within their legal rights, provided they did not explicitly threaten anyone.

The incident also highlights the intense rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks, which has been a focal point of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Pacers, led by All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, have dominated the series, with Haliburton posting a historic triple-double (32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds) in Game 4. The team’s success has galvanized Indianapolis, making the presence of armed Knicks fans shouting insults particularly provocative.

Calls for Accountability

Indy Reporter and other critics have called for IMPD to investigate the incident and for IndyStar to address Briggs’ comments. The debate over whether the group’s actions constitute criminal intimidation or disorderly conduct remains unresolved, with no public statement from IMPD as of May 29, 2025. The controversy has also raised questions about journalistic ethics, particularly when opinion writers engage with sensitive issues like gun violence and public safety.

As Indianapolis prepares for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the city remains on edge, balancing the excitement of the Pacers’ playoff run with concerns about safety and civility in public spaces. Whether IndyStar or Briggs will issue a clarification or apology remains to be seen, but the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the city’s moment in the national spotlight.

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